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The Mural |
This monastery was founded by Duke Stefan Nemanja of Serbia in 1183 and later developed by his sons, becoming the mausoleum of the Nemanja dynasty and a significant landmark in Serbian history over the centuries.
Within the monastery’s walls, additional chapels were constructed, adorned by medieval Christian artists with marble statues and soft murals, such as the famous Virgin Mary’s Birth at the “Church of the King,” the Sainte Anne – et – Joachim chapel, completed in 1314.
The murals in the Virgin Mary chapel (1208-1209) showcase a new spatial conception and expressive style, marking an important milestone in the history of Byzantine art. The influences of Duccio and Giotto in the late 13th century can be traced back to this movement. The monastery has been well-preserved and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. However, authorities plan to build a dam near the site and redirect the Studenica River.
In the fall of 1988, UNESCO experts visited the site to assess the potential impacts on the structure.
