Stuplje Monastery

Stuplje Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery in Gornji Vijačani featuring a small basilica measuring approximately 14 meters long and 7.5 meters wide. The complex sits near the Manastirica stream, which gives the location a quiet, secluded setting.

The monastery first appeared in written records from the 15th century, before the Ottoman conquest of the Kingdom of Bosnia in 1463. It was destroyed in 1696 and subsequently disappeared from historical documentation for centuries.

The name derives from a Slavic word meaning pillar, referencing traditions that were central to this community's spiritual life. Visitors today can observe the simple interior design that conveys religious contemplation.

The site sits at the border of three municipalities - Prnjavor, Celinac, and Teslic - roughly 50 kilometers east of Banja Luka. Visitors should prepare for rural roads and modest facilities, as the location remains quite remote.

After its destruction in 1696 the monastery vanished completely from memory until local residents discovered it again in 1994. This rediscovery allowed for the site's restoration and made it accessible once more for spiritual practice.

Location: Gornji Vijačani

Inception: 15 century

GPS coordinates: 44.73640,17.60030

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:07