Ancient Monastery Resurfaces in Dalmatia

Dragović Monastery, a cornerstone of Serbian Orthodoxy, has risen from the depths of a lake. Constructed in 1395 shortly after the Battle of Kosovo, it served as a spiritual symbol for Serbs for centuries. However, in 1958 during the era of socialist Yugoslavia, it was sacrificed for the construction of a hydroelectric power plant. Since then, the artificial Peruča Lake has occupied the site.

But this autumn, the ancient walls emerged once again, rising above the water's surface. This phenomenon is attributed to the unusually warm and dry weather, causing a significant decrease in the reservoir's water level and exposing the remains of the sacred structure.

Located on the Cetina River between the Dinara and Svilaja mountains in Croatia, this area is a popular destination for nature lovers. It is home to national parks and nature reserves. Nearby cities, such as Dubrovnik and Split, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Now, tourists have a rare opportunity to witness one of three historic Serbian monuments, the Dragović Monastery, alongside the Krka and Krupa monasteries. The uniqueness of this situation lies in the fact that the walls of the Dragović Monastery are only accessible for a short period during the autumn low-water season. With the onset of rain, the ancient structure will once again be submerged.