Manastir Tumane / Monastery Tuman
June 19, 2023
Situated in the heart of the Balkans, Manastir Tumane / Tuman Monastery is one of Serbia’s most visited monasteries. Known for its religious significance and as a place of prayer, it holds great meaning for people of the Orthodox faith.
Located near the Golubac Fortress, this captivating monastery is well worth a visit. I had heard of Manastir Tumane many times, particularly the stories and legends surrounding its healing powers. It wasn’t until I visited for myself that I truly understood what this place was about and just how beautiful it really is.
If you find yourself in Serbia, I would highly recommend visiting. It is less than a two-hour drive from Belgrade and is absolutely worth the trip.
The Tuman Monastery is considered a place where great miracles happen to believers.
A historical place
Dating back to the 14th century, this monastery is said to have been the endowment of Miloš Obilić. While construction began in the second half of the 14th century, the church was not completed until shortly before the Battle of Kosovo. It may not be obvious at first sight, but this place has witnessed centuries of cultural and religious turmoil.
The monastery was burned and destroyed during the First and Second Serbian Uprisings and was later rebuilt during the reign of Prince Miloš Obrenović. In 1910, the monastery was secretly mined and demolished to its foundations before being rebuilt in 1924. In 1993, the Tumane Monastery was completely repainted and renovated.
Because of its rich history, beauty, and religious significance, the monastery has in recent times become widely visited and admired by people from all walks of life.
The architecture
The architectural splendour of Manastir Tumane is reflected in its Byzantine-inspired design, featuring stunning archways, domes, and ornate details that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage. When we visited, we noticed a significant amount of work being done in the surrounding area. While the church remains intact, the gardens have been beautifully designed with plenty of outdoor space. The inside of the church is small but filled with beautiful religious artwork.
In addition, construction is underway on the opposite side of the monastery to accommodate the growing number of visitors. It may seem unusual at first to see such large-scale construction, but the area really does receive a significant number of visitors every year.
You have to visit the monastery to truly take in the spiritual grandeur of this place. I didn’t quite understand the hype until we visited, but seeing it in person gave me a completely different perspective. Regardless of the new developments, I love that the monastery is nestled between the surrounding hills, making it feel as though you’ve discovered something hidden away.
Spirituality & Nature
Monastery Tuman is well known and loved as a religious and spiritual sanctuary. This place holds great significance for the Serbian Orthodox Church and attracts pilgrims from near and far. If you know any Orthodox folk, you may have heard that this monastery is surrounded by legends of miraculous healings. These legends are what bring so many people in need to this place, hoping for healing or better health.
The gardens and landscaping have been beautifully designed, and you cannot help but feel at peace once you enter the gates. I would recommend visiting the church first, lighting a candle in the designated area (if you wish), and then taking the time to absorb all of the surrounding beauty. You can also grab a souvenir from the gift shop next to the church.
Getting there
Tumane Monastery is located 130 kilometers away from the Serbian capital, Belgrade, so you will need less than 2 hours by car to reach it. If you are visiting the Golubac Fortress, the Monastery is a 15 minute drive from there. You can stop by the Monastery first and then visit the Fortress or vice-versa.
We visited the Golubac Fortress first. It wasn’t until I noticed a sign for Manastir Tumane that we decided to visit. Prior to this, I was not aware that the Monastery was located nearby. You will find that the road is asphalted until the entrance to the Monastery. In front of the Monastery is a large parking lot, where you can leave your car freely. The summer season is said to be the most busy. This is when you may find yourself waiting in line to get inside the church. We visited in May and found the place to be relatively quiet which made visiting the church enjoyable.
Looking for more?
If you are looking to visit other parts of Serbia, check out some ideas below:
Golubac Tvrdjava / Golubac Fortress
Drvengrad / Wooden City, Serbia
Serbia is filled with countless great monasteries, old churches, fortresses and beautiful villages. I hope you feel inspired to visit this beautiful Manastir Tumane / Monastery Tumane. You do not have to be religious or of any particular faith, simply visit the place for its beauty or to get in touch with Serbian history and culture. If you have any questions, leave a comment below. You can also find me over on Instagram and TikTok.
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