Rača monastery, Serbian Orthodox monastery in Bajina Bašta Municipality, Serbia.
Rača is a Serbian Orthodox monastery situated where the Rača and Drina rivers meet, nestled at the base of Tara mountain. The complex features a Church of Christ's Ascension, a bell tower, ruins of a medieval scriptorium, and a reliquary housing the remains of a medieval king.
The monastery was founded in 1275 and became a major religious center in the region. Over the centuries it suffered damage from conflicts and decay, yet each time it was rebuilt, maintaining its role as a significant spiritual site.
The monastery served as a hub for Serbian manuscript production, where monks created and copied important texts over centuries. You can sense this scholarly tradition in how the space still feels connected to the region's spiritual and literary identity.
The site is accessible from Bajina Bašta and situated in a quiet natural setting between river and mountain. You can freely walk around the grounds to explore the different buildings and enjoy the riverside location at your own pace.
During World War II, monks hid a precious medieval manuscript, the Miroslav Gospel, beneath the altar stones to protect it from destruction. This act of courage preserved an important piece of Serbian cultural heritage through a dark period.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.