Kovilj Monastery, Serbian Orthodox monastery in Šajkaška, Bačka, Serbia
Kovilj Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery south of Kovilj, near Novi Sad, at the edge of the Koviljsko-Petrovaradinski Rit wetland. Its church, built 1741–1749 by Teodor Kosta and Nikola Krapić from grey limestone blocks, follows the Morava school and resembles Manasija and Ravanica. The walls are unpainted; the carved iconostasis by Jovan Kisner was painted by Aksentije Marodić up to 1891.
The monastery appears in written records from the 14th century, showing its long presence in the region. Its current appearance comes from major reconstruction work in the mid-18th century.
The monastery's iconostasis was carved by Jovan Kisner and painted in the 1880s by Aksentije Marodić, who copied scenes from galleries in Vienna, Munich, Paris, Rome, Venice and Naples. The walls themselves remain unpainted. The brotherhood today numbers around 30 monks, nearly half of them university-educated, and maintains a choir that sings traditional Byzantine chant.
The monastery lies just south of Kovilj, where the Koviljsko-Petrovaradinski Rit wetland begins, in the western part of Šajkaška. It is an active male monastery with about 30 monks, so dress modestly and keep voices low around the church and quarters. The church walls are unpainted; the interior is the carved iconostasis painted by Aksentije Marodić.
The monastery produces local specialties including honey, fruit brandy, and walnut liqueur using traditional methods. These handcrafted products show how it maintains economic independence while supporting its community.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,642 contributors worldwide.