Patriarchate of Peć Monastery
The Patriarchate of Peć Monastery is a historic Serbian Orthodox monastic complex located near the city of Peja (Peć) in Kosovo, close to the border with Montenegro. Nestled beside the Peć Bistrica River, at the entrance of the Rugova Canyon, the monastery is both a sacred site and a symbol of Serbia’s medieval spiritual heritage. Architecturally, the monastery is unique in Serbian medieval design.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
The complex consists of four churches, three of which are interconnected, forming a unique architectural whole. Construction began in the early 13th century, with additional phases completed between 1321–1324 and 1330–1337. Originally serving as the residence of the Serbian Archbishops, the monastery gained even greater significance in 1346, when the Serbian Patriarchate of Peć was established and the site became the official seat of the Serbian Patriarchs.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
Throughout the medieval and early modern periods, the monastery also served as a mausoleum for Serbian archbishops and patriarchs, many of whom were the founders of the monastery itself. These high-ranking church figures, several of whom were canonized, are buried within its churches, making the monastery the largest burial site of Serbian religious dignitaries. It also houses their holy relics, enhancing its spiritual and historical importance.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
In 2006, the Patriarchate of Peć was inscribed as part of the “Medieval Monuments in Kosovo” UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Our Lady of Ljeviš in Prizren, Gračanica Monastery near Prishtina, and Visoki Dečani Monastery.
While the monastery is administered ecclesiastically by the Eparchy of Raška and Prizren, it remains under the direct jurisdiction of the Serbian Patriarch, whose full title includes Archbishop of Peć.
It is not allowed to take any photos or video footage inside the monastery therefore we are providing only the footage from the outside.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
Photos: ©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
Author: Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska is an international journalist and author with a background in American Culture Studies from Warsaw University. She is the chief editor of the Central and Eastern Europe Center and president of the European Institute on Communist Oppression. Born in Warsaw and currently residing in the Netherlands, Beata has roots in Lviv, Ukraine and has Armenian heritage.
