The Piva Monastery (Manastir Piva) is a remarkable testament to both medieval artistry and modern-day preservation. Originally built between 1573 and 1586 at the source of the Piva River, this Serbian Orthodox monastery is renowned for its vast and beautiful collection of frescoes. The single-nave church houses over 1,200 square meters of stunningly preserved murals, making it a treasure trove of post-Byzantine art. However, what makes this monastery truly unique is its incredible story of survival. In the 1970s, the construction of the Mratinje Dam threatened to submerge the entire site under the waters of the new Piva Lake. In an unprecedented and monumental effort spanning 13 years, the entire church was carefully disassembled. Each stone was numbered, and the precious frescoes were meticulously removed from the walls in sections. The monastery was then painstakingly reassembled at its current, higher location, 2 kilometers from its original site. This amazing feat of engineering and cultural conservation saved one of Montenegro's most important historical monuments. A visit today is a dual experience: admiring the rich 16th-century art within, and appreciating the incredible modern story of how this sacred place was saved from the depths.
- Ask about the monastery's incredible relocation story – it was moved stone by stone between 1969 and 1982 to save it from the Piva Lake.
- The interior is covered with a vast area of well-preserved frescoes; take your time to appreciate the detailed biblical scenes.
