Gornjak Monastery

Gornjak Monastery sits on the left bank of the Mlava River, nestled beneath the steep cliffs of Mount Ježevac in eastern Serbia. The stone structure clings to this rocky landscape, with the river and mountain walls forming a confined and protected setting.

Prince Lazar founded the monastery between 1379 and 1381, dedicating it to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. This establishment period marks an important moment in Serbian religious history and reflects the spiritual priorities of that era.

The church building shows a trefoil floor plan, a design that reflects how people once worshiped here and organized their spiritual space. This layout remains visible today and reveals how the community shaped their religious life around this form.

The monastery lies roughly 130 kilometers from Belgrade and is reachable via direct road access through Ralja toward Veliko Gradište and Petrovac na Mlavi. Visitors should expect uneven terrain and mountain paths that lead to the site.

Local tradition holds that blind people once found healing at a spring near the monastery, originally dedicated to Saint Nicholas. This water source has drawn visitors seeking spiritual help for generations.