Latin Church in Gornji Matejevac, Medieval church building on Metoh Hill, Gornji Matejevac, Serbia
The Latin Church in Gornji Matejevac is a single-nave church with an elongated cross floor plan, built from brick and stone with a central dome. The building sits on an elevated hill north of Niš and commands views over the surrounding landscape.
The church was built in the 11th century under Byzantine rule and later used by merchants from Dubrovnik, who gave it their name in the 16th century. It survived the upheavals of the following centuries while keeping its purpose.
The church shows layers of different building periods in its walls, including an ancient Roman tombstone set into the exterior. Visitors can see these historical layers directly in the structure.
The church is located north of Niš city center on elevated terrain and can be reached through paved roads connecting to the M1.12 highway. Plan for sturdy footwear as the access involves slopes and uneven ground.
Among several buildings in the area, only this church retained its original religious function during Ottoman rule while others were converted for different uses. This makes it a rare example of religious continuity in the region.
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