Poganovo Monastery

Poganovo is a quiet paradise that attracts visitors with its indescribable beauty and unique energy. This enchanting oasis of spirituality offers visitors a unique opportunity to retreat from hectic everyday life and find inner peace in embracing nature and spirituality. This place leaves a deep impression with its beauty and authentic atmosphere, making every visit an unforgettable experience of spiritual fulfillment.

Where is the Poganovo Monastery located?

Poganovo Monastery is located near Dimitrovgrad, on the banks of the Jerma River, near the village of Poganovo. It was initially believed that the monastery was built in the 12th century. However, recent historiography reveals that the abbey was built in the 14th century. Tsar Dušan's cousin built this beautiful monastery, the Serbian nobleman Konstantin Dejanović Dragaš, who dedicated it to Saint John the Theologian.

The monastery's foundation was built of unhewn stone and mortar, and the walls of processed blocks. As a result, the monastery has features of the Moravian architecture. This monastery has been under state protection since 1944, and since 1979 it has been on the list of world cultural heritage as an immovable property of great importance.

How did this monastery get its name?

There are several legends about how Poganov Monastery got its name. However, one of the most widespread is a joke that says that the surrounding villagers planted vines on the monastery property, so they dug the vine into the ground, and the root remained above. When the local priest saw this, he reprimanded them with the words: "Gentile people, pagan people," so Paganovo remained.

Surrounded by beautiful nature, this place defies its name. Otherwise, in the literature, you can find that the village of Poganovo was renamed Dobroševo on several occasions in the 19th century. Then the monastery was renamed Dobroševski Monastery. Unfortunately, the new names did not last long among the people, and not long after, the original name was returned to the village and the monastery.

The ancient frescoes in Poganovo Monastery were painted by unknown painters from northern Greece, probably 100 years after its foundation. The frescoes show rich compositions of the Passion of Christ, Serbian saints figures, apostles, and Orthodox saints' teachings.

Sights and values

Because of its previously inaccessible terrain and the Jerma river canyon, this monastery was never destroyed, so it managed to preserve its authentic appearance. An exception is the famous double-sided icon, one side of which depicts a miracle in the Latom monastery. In contrast, the other side shows the figures of St. John the Theologian and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This icon was a gift from the Byzantine empress Jelena in memory of Father Constantine. Together with the iconostasis of great artistic value, which dates from 1622, it was a priceless church treasure. Unfortunately, during the Bulgarian-Serbian wars, the iconostasis was stolen by the occupying army and taken to Sofia, which remains in the National Museum.

The Poganovo Monastery is an important place for Serbian culture and history. This monastery was an active cultural and spiritual center of this part of Serbia during the Middle Ages. Its account is closely connected with the history of the Serbian state. Serbian rulers and military leaders often gathered in the monastery, and it was the place where important historical documents were kept.

Today, the Poganovo Monastery is a tourist attraction in this part of Serbia. Many tourists from the country and abroad visit this monastery and admire its frescoes. In addition, visitors can enjoy the beautiful natural environment in which the monastery is located, with greenery and mountain air.

Where do you rest when you visit the Poganovo Monastery?

For all those who plan to visit the Poganovo Monastery, we recommend staying at Hotel Happy Dimitrovgrad. The hotel is only a 20-minute drive from the monastery, offering guests comfortable accommodation, a beautiful view of the surroundings, and delicious food.

With comfortable accommodation and a pleasant stay at Hotel Happy Dimitrovgrad, you will have the opportunity to explore this beautiful part of Serbia and get to know this region's rich history and culture. Discover the beauty of the Poganovo Monastery and enjoy the natural charms of this part of Serbia with comfortable accommodation at Hotel Happy Dimitrovgrad.