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MYSTERIOUS CHURCH: A TREASURE OF TRADITION AND FOLK BELIEFS

In  the village of Malo Blaško, near Banja Luka, there stands a unique wooden church (brvnara) that draws the attention of both experts and believers with its rich history and architectural details.

MYSTERIOUS CHURCH: A TREASURE OF TRADITION AND FOLK BELIEFS
PHOTO: TORS
This church, dedicated to the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God, likely dates back to the 18th century, although its location on a small stećak necropolis suggests it could be even older. Many believe the church was actually renovated in the mid-18th century.
The interior of the church, which covers only 28 square meters, is a true small masterpiece. Within this modest space, the altar, a prayer area for the faithful, and all the necessary church inventory are housed.
Wood, used as the primary building material, serves a dual purpose—besides being a structural element, it also has a decorative function, making the church's interior exceptionally intriguing.
The icons that adorn the interior are particularly fascinating, created by local icon painters in the second half of the 19th century. Among them, the royal doors, known as "religious gates," stand out with their beauty and symbolism, becoming an integral part of the church's decor.
Around the church, there were once wooden huts—shelters that families from distant villages used to spend the night during church gatherings.

One of the interesting stories linked to this church is a legend, common among many wooden churches in the region, which tells that the church was mysteriously moved from one place to another overnight during the Ottoman Empire's rule.
This wooden church in Malo Blaško is not only a religious site but also a significant witness to the history, culture, and folk beliefs that still live on among the people of this area.