Pokajnica Monastery, Wooden monastery in Staro Selo, Serbia.
Pokajnica Monastery is a wooden structure in Staro Selo built entirely from oak wood in a traditional Orthodox layout. The building includes a central nave with an altar area, naos, narthex, and chancel that form its complete interior arrangement.
The monastery was built in 1818 as the first church in the region, funded by the communities of Adžibegovac, Planjane, and Rakinac. Its construction was closely tied to the transfer of Saint Nicholas relics, marking an important religious event of that period.
The monastery houses an iconostasis displaying religious artwork across multiple levels, reflecting the Orthodox faith tradition. Visitors can observe the craftsmanship of the icons and the prominent cross above, showing how the space was shaped by local spiritual beliefs.
The site underwent restoration work between 1987 and 1988 and is maintained by the Republic Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments in Smederevo. Visitors should know that ongoing care helps preserve the wooden structure for future generations.
The building is one of the few remaining log cabin churches in Serbia, a rare construction method from that era. The craftsmanship of fitting the oak logs together demonstrates the special skills of the woodworkers of that time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
