The medieval Church of the Dormition of the Holy Mother of God

The wall paintings were produced nearly two centuries after the church was built, and are dated as 16th and early 17th century.

The compositions on the west wall above the entrance are especially valued, as well as those on the arch of the west trave, which depict psalms 148 and 149.

The icons on the altar partition were done by Nikola Apostolović in 1808 and 1827. They are important for studying the art of the period of the Uprisings, considering that they were produced soon after Karađorđe liberated the cityfrom the Turks.

The grave of Dimitrije Davidović, the “father of Serbian journalism” , is located near the church.

Both the young and the old go to the Teferič, where they meet with their relatives and friends, enjoying the singing and dancing. These occasions are particularly eagerly awaited by family members who live abroad, as this is an opportunity for them to see all their relatives and friends in one place.

A Teferič is also an occasion to ask a girl for her hand in marriage, or to arrange a marriage. Those who are more affluent, compete with each other in who will pay more for a dance in the wheel dance, which they request to be played for their daugh ters – in – law or sisters – in – law. It can happen that as much as 500 euros is paid for one wheel dance. Brides wear much gold jewelry, showing the wealth of the family into which they have been married. Unmarried girls do not wear gold jewelry.

At the Teferič, the most beautiful bride and the most beautiful girl are chosen. They are dressed in stylized folk costumes in red, white, green, orange, and pink colors.

Horse races are also organized on these occasions, stone – throwing, and competitive events in other traditional skills.

Portraits of Evangelists, exceptional works of art of the 14th century are included in the newer manuscript which was decorated in the 16th century. Numerous frescoes in fragments can be traced to the 16th century, when the monastery evidently prospered, and at which point it was perhaps even reconstructed. Archeological findings indicate that the church did not burn, but caved in for reasons unknown to us. The church remained in such a condition until the beginning of the year 2000, when the Prijepolje Museum launched a project for its reconstruction, within which the church was fully restored  in 2001.

Kumanica is one of the few medieval monasteries which has been honored for centuries also by members of other religions, primarily Muslims, who, like Christian Orthodox Serbs, link it to the powers of healing that were indeed present here in the course of its long history.

The reconstructed Monastery of Kumanica can be reached by taking the main road from Prijepolje toward Bijelo Polje. It is located at the entrance into the Lim canyon, 300 m from a bridge that spans the river.

The time of its construction and its founder are still unknown.

According to the architecture and the people’ s tales it is supposed the church was founded in between the 18 – 19th century.

The preserved remains of stonewalls are protected by local residents and they rally there on the village holiday – The Holy Trinity.

At the beginning of the 14th century Bistrica monastery was added to the holdings of the Sts. Peter and Paul Church as an appendage and later on it was granted to  the Chilandar Monastery.

Like many other churches and monasteries the church was in ruins for ages and then restored in the 19th century.

It is a single – nave church covered with a two – pitched shingle roof. According to certain data, the people of this monastery people knew the beer making technology way back in the 18th century.

The church is located in Bistrica, 1km farfrom the highway Prijepolje – Nova Varoš.

Meanwhile it grew up into the tourist attraction visited by our and international tourists. There are old crafts demonstrated in this happening, traditionally manufactured goods, as well as knitwear and wavered products are exhibited there.

The whole happening is followed by delicious cuisine of this region ( smoked ham, cheese, plum brandy ) and already known brass orchestra music.

The competition is held at Potpeć Lake ( below Port – Said Caffe ).

On that day the Memorial Tournament ” Radomir Lale Moračanin ” in beach – volley, then rafting on the river Lim, the selection of the best fish soup and a very special event of this manifestation the so – called  ” Zetovijada ” are also held. Namely, each year among 1,700 sons – in – law, married to women from Prijepolje, living both in Serbia and other parts of the world is to be chosen the one is chosen who will win the title of ” the best son – in – law of Prijepolje ” for successfully fitting into the local environment and his respect for the customs of Prijepolje.

Very atractive dives have been performed from a diving spot on the rock 16 m high.

Young men from Podgorica, Kolašin, Sarajevo, Zenica, Konjic, Novi Sad, Sombor, Užice, Prijepolje and other places compete to win cups and other awards.

The rafting lasts for three days.

The first stage is from Plav to Berane, the second Berane – Bijelo Polje and the third one from Bijelo Polje to Prijepolje.