Sopocani monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery located in the region of Raška, in southwestern Serbia. It was built in the 13th century during the reign of King Stefan Uroš I, and is known for its frescoes and the beauty of its architecture. The monastery is situated on a slope of Mount Golija, near the village of Sopocani.
The monastery complex consists of the Church of the Holy Trinity, a small chapel, a monastic residence, and a defensive wall with towers. The Church of the Holy Trinity is a three-nave basilica with three apses, built of stone and brick. The church is decorated with frescoes that were painted in the 13th century, and are considered among the most important examples of medieval Serbian art. The frescoes depict scenes from the life of Christ, the lives of the saints, and the Last Judgment.
Sopocani monastery played an important role in the spiritual and cultural life of medieval Serbia. It was a center of scriptural and theological studies, and a place of pilgrimage. The monastery was also a place of refuge for Serbian rulers and nobles during times of war and turmoil.
In 1979, Sopocani monastery was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Studenica Monastery complex, which includes the Church of the Holy Virgin and the Church of St. Nicholas. The monastery is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its history, architecture, and natural surroundings.