# Manasija

- **Country:** Serbia
- **Coordinates:** 44.100889, 21.469556
- **Condition:** Restored
- **Year Built:** 1407 AD
- **Castle Type:** Fortified Monastery
- **Location Text:** Despotovac

Manasija Monastery, also known as Resava, is a prominent Serbian Orthodox complex located near the town of Despotovac in Serbia. Founded by Despot Stefan Lazarević between 1406 and 1418, the site was constructed as a monumental mausoleum and fortified town within a picturesque ravine. Dedicated to the Holy Trinity, the monastery stands as a masterpiece of the Morava school of architecture, characterized by its massive defensive walls, eleven towers, and the imposing Despot's tower. The entire complex serves as a testament to the military and spiritual strength of the medieval Serbian Despotate, blending religious devotion with robust fortification design.

Historically, Manasija functioned as the primary cultural center of the Serbian Despotate following its establishment. It housed the famous Resava School, a scriptorium renowned throughout the 15th and 16th centuries for producing high-quality manuscripts and translations that preserved and disseminated literary works across the region. The monastery contains the remains of its founder, Stefan Lazarević, and his brother Vuk, further cementing its status as a site of national importance. Despite the loss of its original founding charter, the site's legacy endures through its architectural grandeur and its pivotal role in medieval Balkan culture.

Today, the monastery is in good condition and remains open to public access. It has been designated a Cultural Monument of Exceptional Importance by the Serbian state since 1979, ensuring its protection and preservation. In 2010, the fortified complex was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, recognizing its outstanding universal value. Visitors can explore the well-preserved church, refectory, and extensive fortifications, which continue to attract scholars and tourists interested in medieval history and Orthodox heritage.

![Photo of Manasija](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/58/%D0%A6%D1%80%D0%BA%D0%B2%D0%B0_%D0%A1%D0%B2._%D0%A2%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%98%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B5_%D0%B8_%D0%BA%D1%83%D0%BB%D0%B0.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manasija (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)