Plizio Visual Lab
Končul Monastery
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
church
Weather…
Water temperature…
Končul Monastery, also known as Nikoljača, is situated on the left bank of the Ibar River near the town of Raška in southwestern Serbia. It was founded in 1175 by Grand Župan Stefan Nemanja and is dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The church architecture is a prime example of the Raška school, blending Byzantine internal space with Romanesque exterior stone masonry. During the Middle Ages, Končul was a major cultural center and the official seat of the Bishopric of Raška, making it central to the religious life of the Nemanjić state. The monastery fell into decay during the Ottoman period and remained largely in ruins until restoration efforts began in the 19th century. Modern archaeological excavations have revealed significant 14th-century fresco fragments and medieval burials within the complex. Currently, the monastery is an active religious site and is legally protected as a cultural monument of exceptional importance, reflecting the early centuries of Serbian sovereignty.
- Location: Serbia
- Top sights: Raška (river) · Belgrade-Mitrovica train incident · Raška, Serbia
- Nearby: Kopaonik (15 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 | -2 | -1 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 58 | 56 | 69 | 70 | 95 | 96 | 74 | 62 | 63 | 68 | 63 | 62 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Končul Monastery near Raška is a medieval Orthodox monastery that is usually open for visits. The interior with its icons and the outdoor grounds are accessible.
Typical hours
Opening hours follow the service schedule; typically the monastery is open in the morning and late afternoon. A midday break is likely, so enquire in advance.
Photography
Photography inside is usually allowed without flash, but not during services. The rural setting with forests and hills provides beautiful outdoor photo opportunities.
Time needed
A visit to the monastery takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Allow one hour for a relaxed exploration of the grounds and surroundings.
Combine with
The monastery is near Raška, which houses the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. The famous Studenica Monastery is also easily reachable from here.
Getting there
Končul Monastery is about 10 km south of Raška, accessible by car on local roads. Public transport is infrequent so a rental car is recommended.
Insider tip
Take time to enjoy the tranquility - the monastery is off the beaten track. A short walk up the adjacent hill has a nice view.
Geography
Facts
- The monastery was established by Stefan Nemanja in 1175.
- It is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, giving it the name Nikoljača.
- The site served as the primary seat of the Bishopric of Raška in the Middle Ages.
- The architecture belongs to the distinctive Raška school style.
- Major 19th-century renovations helped preserve the site from total collapse.
- It is located on the left bank of the Ibar River near the town of Raška.
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 Končul Monastery (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who is the founder of the Končul monastery?
According to legend, it was founded by Stefan Nemanja in the 12th century.
What else is the monastery called?
It is also known as 'Nikoljača'.
Where is the Končul monastery located?
On the banks of the Ibar river, not far from the town of Raška.
What status did the monastery have in the Middle Ages?
It was an important spiritual center and the seat of a bishopric.
Can you visit the church?
Yes, the church is open to believers and visitors.
Končul Monastery: where is it located?
Končul Monastery is located in Serbia.
Končul Monastery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Raška (river), Belgrade-Mitrovica train incident, Raška, Serbia.
Končul Monastery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Končul Monastery: why is it worth visiting?
Končul Monastery, also known as Nikoljača, is situated on the left bank of the Ibar River near the town of Raška in southwestern 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.
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
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.
Raška River
The Raška is a river in southwestern Serbia.
Gobelja Peak
Gobelja is an important peak in the Kopaonik massif.
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.
More places
Raška planina
Raška planina is a mountain region near Novi Pazar.
Raska Monastery
Raska Monastery is a historical site near Raska.
Gradac Monastery
Gradac Monastery was built in the 13th century.
Nova Pavlica Monastery
Nova Pavlica is a monastery near Raška, founded at the end of the 14th century.
Sunčana Dolina
Sunčana Dolina (Sunny Valley) is located in the Kopaonik mountains.
Kopaonik National Park
This park protects the highest mountain range in Serbia.
Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery
Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery near Novi Pazar was founded in the 12th century by Stefan Nemanja.
Church of Saints Peter and Paul
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul near Novi Pazar is one of the oldest preserved Christian churches in Serbia.