Devič, Serbian Orthodox monastery in Drenica, Kosovo.
Devič is a monastery with a single-nave church featuring a semi-circular vault and three-sided apse set in wooded hills south of Srbica. The grounds encompass 60 hectares of cultivated land surrounded by 250 hectares of forest.
Despot Đurađ Branković founded the monastery in 1434 on a site where Saint Joanikije had lived as a hermit. The location was chosen because of the holy man's reputation for healing and spiritual practice.
The monastery contains layers of frescoes from the 15th century that show Saint Joannikios and scenes from religious stories. These paintings on the walls tell the stories that visitors can see and experience today.
The monastery is maintained by eight nuns and operates under KFOR protection for security. Visitors should approach with respect for the active monastic community and its sacred spaces.
A marble tomb dedicated to Saint Joanikije lies within its own chapel inside the monastery where visitors can see where pilgrims come to honor him. An ancient water well stands nearby, connected to the medieval healer's presence and reputation.
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