Privina Glava monastery

Privina Glava is a Serbian Orthodox monastery in the Fruška Gora mountains, arranged within high defensive walls and consisting of nine separate buildings. The main church, dedicated to the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, contains an iconostasis painted in 1786 and wall frescoes added a few years later.

The monastery was established in the 12th century, though Ottoman records from 1566 provide the earliest documented references to it. It survived through the centuries despite challenging conditions and is now protected as a cultural monument of exceptional importance.

The name refers to a natural spring nearby, and the place remains an active center where monks continue their spiritual practices today. Visitors notice how the daily rhythms of monastic life shape the atmosphere within the walls.

Visitors should dress modestly and notify in advance if arriving in a group, as this helps the monks plan their schedule. Regular visiting hours are maintained, so checking before your visit ensures you find the gate open.

The monastery once protected the Munich Psalter, a richly illuminated manuscript from the 14th century that was moved to Bavaria to safeguard it during the Ottoman conflicts. This precious religious text shows how the monastery served as a keeper of important works through turbulent times.