Gračanka

Gračanka is a Serbian Orthodox monastery located in Gračanica, Kosovo. It was founded by Serbian King Stefan Milutin in 1321, on the ruins of an earlier 6th-century basilica. The monastery is dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God.

Gračanka Monastery is a significant example of late Byzantine architecture and is considered one of the most beautiful Serbian medieval monasteries. It features a double-cross ground plan and five domes. The interior is richly decorated with frescoes, depicting biblical scenes, portraits of saints, and images of the Serbian royal family.

Due to its historical and artistic importance, Gračanka Monastery was declared a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1990 and has been under UNESCO protection since 2006, as part of the "Medieval Monuments in Kosovo" World Heritage site. The monastery continues to be an active religious center and a symbol of Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo. Its continued operation faces challenges in the complex political environment of the region.