In the Sićevačka Klisura Gorge, the picturesque hillsides of Kusača have long been hiding the village of Manastir, of which only a nostalgic community of weekend houses remained. A narrow asphalted road winds down the steep slopes of Podvis, leading to the former village and the abandoned church of St. Nicholas.

CHURCH OF ST. NICHOLAS IN THE VILLAGE OF MANASTIR

According to the inscriptions on the west facade, the Church of St. Nicholas was built, or perhaps restored, in 1838, thanks to the donations of the mentioned local residents. It belongs to the type of smaller rural churches of a simple rectangular base and semicircular apse on the east side. Stonewalls support the semi-cylindrical vault covered with a gable roof. The light enters the temple through three window apertures on the southern side and one in the apse. The church is entered across three steps from the west and two steps from the north. The ornamental details on the church facade reveal the intention of its builder to decorate it, as well. In this respect, the archivolt of the western door is ornamented in a shallow relief. Above it, there are two shallow niches, with another one on top of them. More above, there is a rosette with a cross. The northern door is framed by a rectangular frame with an engraved decoration. There are two niches over it. The corners of the church are profiled in stripes. The interior wall surfaces are now whitewashed.

An old cemetery to the south from the church, dating from the 19th century, deserves particular attention. Well-preserved gravestones, made by local stonemasons, are chiseled with amazing craft and attract special attention by the beauty of the folklore images.

GRAVESTONES FROM THE 19TH CENTURY