Plizio Visual Lab
Church of Saints Peter and Paul
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
church
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, commonly known as Peter's Church, is the oldest surviving Christian church in Serbia. Perched on a hill near Novi Pazar, it served as the ecclesiastical center of the medieval state of Raška. The building features an unusual architectural layout, constructed atop a 6th-century Paleo-Christian baptistery, with significant rebuilding occurring in the 9th and 10th centuries. It represents a rare synthesis of early Christian, Byzantine, and pre-Romanesque styles in the central Balkans. The church is historically significant as the site where Stefan Nemanja converted to Orthodoxy and where he later abdicated the throne in favor of his son, Stefan the First-Crowned. Inside, the walls preserve three distinct layers of frescoes from the 10th, 12th, and 13th centuries, showcasing the evolution of medieval Serbian art. The surrounding churchyard contains a large collection of monumental stone crosses from the 18th and 19th centuries. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979 as part of the Stari Ras ensemble.
- Location: Serbia
- Top sights: The Tracts of Saint George · Fence - not possible to cross · Overgrown path. Don't cross
- Nearby: Leposavić Municipality (25 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -1 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 4 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 72 | 67 | 79 | 75 | 99 | 91 | 72 | 63 | 74 | 82 | 84 | 78 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul near Novi Pazar is one of the oldest preserved churches in Serbia and can be visited. Entry is free, but there is not always a fixed schedule.
Typical hours
The church is usually open during daytime, but without set hours. It may happen that the key is left with a neighbor - ask in the village.
Photography
Photography inside the church is usually allowed without flash to protect the ancient frescoes. Exceptions may be made for personal use.
Time needed
A visit to the church takes about 20 to 30 minutes as it is quite small. However, take time to admire the impressive 9th-century frescoes.
Combine with
Combine the visit with the town of Novi Pazar, which has an Ottoman old town and the Sopoćani church. The area is rich in historical sites.
Getting there
The church is located about 3 km northwest of Novi Pazar and is easily reached by car or taxi. There is a small parking lot nearby.
Insider tip
If the church is locked, ask for the key in the nearby village. Bring a flashlight as interior lighting may be dim.
Geography
Facts
- Peter's Church is the only pre-Nemanjić era church in Serbia still in use.
- The 1957 excavations revealed a rich 5th-century BC Illyrian royal tomb.
- Three layers of frescoes have been identified on the interior walls.
- The central dome is supported by four massive pillars in a rotunda-like plan.
- It was mentioned as the seat of the Bishopric of Ras in 1019.
- The church is built primarily from rough-hewn stone and limestone mortar.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 Church of Saints Peter and Paul (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Petrova crkva?
St. Peter's Church is the oldest preserved church in Serbia, built in the 9th century.
Why is it historically important?
It is where Stefan Nemanja, the founder of the Nemanjić dynasty, was baptized.
Where is the church located?
It stands on a hill near Novi Pazar.
What is special about its architecture?
The church has an unusual circular plan and Byzantine frescoes.
Is it part of UNESCO heritage?
Yes, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Stari Ras and Sopoćani'.
Church of Saints Peter and Paul: where is it located?
Church of Saints Peter and Paul is located in Serbia.
Church of Saints Peter and Paul: what is there to see?
Highlights include The Tracts of Saint George, Fence - not possible to cross, Overgrown path. Don't cross.
Church of Saints Peter and Paul: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Church of Saints Peter and Paul: why is it worth visiting?
The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, commonly known as Peter's Church, is the oldest surviving Christian church in Serbia.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Serbia →
Nearby cities
Cacak Trade Center
Cacak is considered an important transport and trade hub in Central Serbia.
Zajecar Industrial Hub
Zajecar is a regional economic center in Eastern Serbia, focusing on trade and various industrial plants.
Pozarevac Economic Center
Pozarevac serves as an important regional commercial and administrative center.
Istog Municipality
Located in western Kosovo, Istog is known for its natural beauty, including the Rugova Canyon and numerous water sources.
Uvac
A spectacular nature reserve famous for the dramatic meanders of the Uvac River and rare Griffon Vultures.
Prokuplje Industrial Center
Prokuplje is a regional center for various industrial branches and manufacturing in the Toplica region.
Loznica
Loznica is located on the Drina river in western Serbia near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Leposavić Municipality
Located in North Kosovo, Leposavić is known for its scenic mountain landscapes and important Serbian Orthodox monasteries.
Vladičin Han
Vladičin Han is located in southern Serbia on the banks of the South Morava river.
Zubin Potok
A gateway to nature in northern Kosovo, renowned for the vast Gazivoda Lake and the stunning mountain scenery of Mokra Gora.
Sjenica
Located on the stunning Pešter Plateau, Sjenica is known for its rugged natural beauty and extreme winters.
Prijepolje
Prijepolje is a town in southwestern Serbia at the confluence of the Lim and Mileševka rivers.
Priboj
Located on the banks of the Lim River, Priboj is a town rich in industrial history and surrounded by stunning nature.
Golija
A vast mountain range and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, famous for its dense forests and untouched nature.
History & landmarks
Nature
Raška River
The Raška is a river in southwestern Serbia.
Crni Vrh (Raška)
Crni Vrh is a well-known peak in the Raška region.
Jankov Kamen
Jankov Kamen is the highest peak of the Golija mountain range.
Krčmar
Krčmar is a well-known peak and slope area in the Kopaonik mountains.
Pančić Peak
Pančić Peak is the highest point of the Kopaonik mountain range.
Samokovska Reka
Samokovska Reka is a mountain river in the Kopaonik National Park.
Gobelja Peak
Gobelja is an important peak in the Kopaonik massif.
More places
Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery
Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery near Novi Pazar was founded in the 12th century by Stefan Nemanja.
Stari Ras
Stari Ras was the first capital of the medieval Serbian state of Raška.
Gradac Monastery
Gradac Monastery was built in the 13th century.
Raška planina
Raška planina is a mountain region near Novi Pazar.
Raska Monastery
Raska Monastery is a historical site near Raska.
Rogozna Mountain
Rogozna is a volcanic mountain range in southern Serbia.
Končul Monastery
Končul Monastery near Raška is a historical complex from the Middle Ages.
Nova Pavlica Monastery
Nova Pavlica is a monastery near Raška, founded at the end of the 14th century.