Sukovo Monastery, Medieval Orthodox monastery in Pirot, Serbia
Sukovo Monastery is a medieval Orthodox monastery located near Pirot alongside the Jerma River. The church features three semicircular apses built from stone and brick, with an ornate interior decorated with frescoes and an elaborate wooden iconostasis.
The site has held religious importance since ancient Roman times, with records from 1019 confirming its connection to the Sredets Eparchy under the Ohrid Archdiocese. The interior frescoes were created in 1869 as a collaborative work of artists from different Orthodox regions.
The monastery reflects a rare artistic fusion of Serbian, Bulgarian, Greek, and Russian styles visible in its frescoes. The gold-plated wooden iconostasis represents an important example of local Orthodox ecclesiastical craftsmanship.
The site sits about 18 kilometers east of Pirot along the road toward Zvonacka Banja thermal spa and is easily accessible by car. The grounds include small production areas for honey and brandy that add to the working character of the place.
The frescoes contain unusual sacred figures, including Saint Christopher depicted with an animal head and the Virgin Mary shown with wings. These rare portrayals came from the diverse artistic contributions of collaborating painters in the 1800s.
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