MONASTERY "SVETE TROJICE": HOME TO THE UROŠ NEMANJIĆ CROSS
In the serene village of Sasama, near Bratunac, lies the Orthodox sanctuary of Svete Trojice (Holy Trinity) Monastery, also known as Sasama Monastery, which exudes a magical charm in the winter months.
Established in 1242, the monastery was a metochion (landholding) of Hilandar Monastery and was endowed by Uroš Nemanjić, whose cross was safeguarded within its walls for centuries. Situated in an area renowned since Roman times for its rich silver, lead, and zinc deposits, the monastery likely emerged from the religious needs of Orthodox miners in the region.
With the Turkish conquest of Bosnia, the mines and mining settlements, along with the Sasama Monastery, fell into neglect. For almost four centuries, the foundations of the former monastery were buried under layers of soil, oblivion, and ignorance.
It wasn't until 1858 that miners from Sasama unearthed the monastery's foundations and erected a new church upon them, dedicated to Saint Apostle Peter. This church served as a parish church for over a century, primarily as the parish church of Bratunac. The foundations and walls of the Sasama church were excavated and restored in 1850.
Saint Trojice Monastery celebrates Saint Emperor Uroš as its benefactor, and on this occasion, Bishop Vasilije, on December 5, 2007, handed over a portion of the relics of King Uroš (a gift from Bishop Joanikije of Budimlje-Nikšić) and a portion of the relics of Emperor Uroš (a gift from Serbian Patriarch Pavle) to the monastery.