Jovanja Monastery

Jovanja Monastery stands on the right bank of the Jablanica River gorge with a single-nave structure featuring a rectangular base and cylindrical dome. The building was enlarged later with two entry porches that define its exterior form today.

The monastery was founded between the 15th and 16th centuries and housed a theological school for centuries. Turkish forces destroyed the structures in 1788, marking a major turning point for the site.

The monastery walls display preserved frescoes from the 17th century depicting religious feasts, Christ's passion, and scenes of baptism. These painted images remain central to the spiritual character visitors encounter when inside.

The monastery sits about 7 kilometers from central Valjevo and is reachable by car along a route that follows the Kolubara River. The drive crosses the Jablanica River before reaching the building nestled in the gorge.

The tombs of brothers Jovan and Jevta Vitanovic, who funded the 1706 renovations, rest at the south gate of the temple. These siblings played a key role in restoring the monastery after earlier destruction.