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St. Peter's Church

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Historical site
—°5
St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)

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St. Peter's Church in Bijelo Polje is a standout example of 12th-century sacral architecture in Montenegro. Founded around 1190 by Prince Miroslav, the brother of Stefan Nemanja, it originally functioned as an episcopal residence. The structure blends Romanesque and Byzantine stylistic elements, a hallmark of the Raška architectural school. The church achieved global fame as the place where the Miroslav Gospel, a magnificently illustrated manuscript now part of the UNESCO Memory of the World register, was created. During the Ottoman era, the church was converted into a mosque, leading to structural changes such as the addition of minarets. However, in the 20th century, the building was restored to its original state as a Christian place of worship. Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed remnants of frescoes and inscriptions that provide vital insights into the region's medieval history. Today, the church remains a key destination for both pilgrims and art historians.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-4-216111517181383-2
Rain mm91869481999470618797114101

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The 12th-century St. Peter's Church is a historic site that can be visited. The interior is small but historically significant - the Miroslav Gospel was written here.
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Typical hours
The church is usually open during daylight hours, often with a break at noon. It is advisable to check with the local tourist office in advance.
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Photography
Photography is allowed inside without flash. The frescoes and the old iconostasis are especially photogenic, but please take photos respectfully.
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Time needed
Allow about 20 to 30 minutes for the church visit. The immediate surroundings invite a short walk to enhance the historic atmosphere.
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Combine with
Combine the church with the nearby monastery of Bijelo Polje. The old town of Bijelo Polje with its traditional shops is also worth a visit.
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Getting there
The church is located in the town of Bijelo Polje, reachable on foot from the center. Parking is available on surrounding streets.
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Insider tip
Ask at the church if a guide is available to learn more about the writing of the Miroslav Gospel. A short walk to the nearby bridge over the Lim River features a lovely view.

Geography

Coordinates
43.04000, 19.75000

Facts

  • The church was founded around 1190 by Prince Miroslav.
  • It is the birthplace of the famous medieval Miroslav Gospel.
  • The building served as the seat of the Bishopric of Hum in the Middle Ages.
  • The church was repurposed as a mosque during the Ottoman period.
  • The Miroslav Gospel was added to the UNESCO Memory of the World in 2005.
  • The architecture displays strong influences of the Raška school.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bijelo PoljeBijelo Polje<1 km · SWExplore →
Lim RiverLim River7 km · NEExplore →
Zavoj PeakZavoj Peak13 km · SWExplore →
Zavoj ValleyZavoj Valley15 km · SWExplore →
Brskovo Mine near MojkovacBrskovo Mine near Mojkovac16 km · SWExplore →
MojkovacMojkovac16 km · SWExplore →
Visoki VrhVisoki Vrh16 km · SExplore →
Vranjak PastureVranjak Pasture19 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town St. Peter's Church (5)

Crkva Svetog Petra i Pavla

Church in Montenegro, dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul.

Gradski muzej🏛 museum

City museum near the church, exhibiting local history and culture.

Džafića brdo

Mountain peak in Montenegro, a viewpoint over the area.

Cokotin

Mountain peak in Montenegro, hiking area.

Žute kose

Mountain peak in Montenegro, part of the mountain range.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When was St. Peter's Church built?
The church was founded in the 12th century (around 1190) by Prince Miroslav.
What architectural specialty does it have?
It has two asymmetrical towers, which was unusual for that time.
Did it always serve as a church?
During Ottoman rule, it was temporarily converted into a mosque.
What is the Miroslav Gospel?
A magnificently illustrated manuscript originally written for this church.
Can the church be visited today?
Yes, it is an active place of worship and a significant cultural monument.
St. Peter's Church: where is it located?
St. Peter's Church is located in Montenegro.
St. Peter's Church: what is there to see?
Highlights include Crkva Svetog Petra i Pavla, Gradski muzej, Džafića brdo.
St. Peter's Church: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Bijelo Polje — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Bijelo Polje
The 'White Field', an important transport hub in the north.
Mojkovac — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Mojkovac
A town on the Tara River, famous for a historic battle.
Petnjica — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Petnjica
Petnjica is a small town and the administrative center of the Petnjica municipality in northeastern Montenegro.
Berane — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Berane
A significant economic and cultural center in the north.
Kolašin — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Kolašin
A popular center for mountain and winter sports in the north.
Sjenica — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Sjenica
Located on the stunning Pešter Plateau, Sjenica is known for its rugged natural beauty and extreme winters.
Uvac — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Uvac
A spectacular nature reserve famous for the dramatic meanders of the Uvac River and rare Griffon Vultures.
Andrijevica — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Andrijevica
A small town in the Lim river valley, surrounded by Komovi.
Prijepolje — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Prijepolje
Prijepolje is a town in southwestern Serbia at the confluence of the Lim and Mileševka rivers.
Zlatar — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Zlatar
A mountain center in Southwest Serbia, famous for its healing climate, Zlatar cheese, and the nearby Uvac lakes.

History & landmarks

Đurđevića Tara Bridge — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Đurđevića Tara Bridge
Impressive concrete arch bridge over the Tara Canyon.

Nature

Lim River — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Lim River
The Lim is one of the largest rivers in Montenegro.
Zavoj Peak — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Zavoj Peak
A prominent peak in the Zavoj region.
Visoki Vrh — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Visoki Vrh
A high peak in the region northeast of Kolašin.
Biogradsko Lake — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Biogradsko Lake
The Biogradsko Lake is located in the heart of the Biogradska Gora National Park.
Brada Peak — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Brada Peak
A peak in the central highlands.
Vraca Peak — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Vraca Peak
A prominent peak in the central highlands of Montenegro.
Stog Peak — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Stog Peak
A peak in the remote region of the Bjelasica massif.
Uvac Canyon — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Uvac Canyon
The Uvac river canyon is known for its meandering river courses.

More places

Zavoj Valley — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Zavoj Valley
A narrow valley situated in a mountainous region.
Brskovo Mine near Mojkovac — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Brskovo Mine near Mojkovac
Historic site for mining non-ferrous metals, today a location for exploration projects.
Vranjak Pasture — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Vranjak Pasture
An extensive high-altitude pasture in the Bjelasica region.
Masna Luka — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Masna Luka
A deeply incised valley in a forested mountain region.
Vlahinja Ridge — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Vlahinja Ridge
A narrow ridge in the mountain region.
Bjelasica — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Bjelasica
A gentler mountain range, ideal for hiking and skiing.
Đurđevi Stupovi — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Đurđevi Stupovi
A historic 13th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery.
Jelovica Valley — St. Peter's Church (Montenegro)
Jelovica Valley
A green valley in the Bjelasica mountains.