THE CHURCH OF ST. ARCHANGEL: A WITNESS TO HISTORY AND LEGENDS

At the foot of the steep cliffs of Borački Krš, just a few hundred meters below the medieval town of Borač, stands the Church of St. Archangel Gabriel.

Its earliest history remains unknown, and the exact time of its construction, as well as the name of its founder, has yet to be determined.

Surrounded by myths and legends, this church exudes mystery, making it an attractive site for visitors. It is believed to date back to the era of the Nemanjić dynasty and was visited by many historical figures throughout the centuries.

THE HISTORY OF BORAČKA CHURCH

Nestled in the embrace of Borački Krš, the church has preserved its spiritual and cultural heritage for centuries. Recognized as a significant cultural monument, recent research has confirmed that the original church structure existed on this plateau as early as the reign of King Dragutin.

During the 14th century, many Serbian rulers used the medieval town of Borač as a summer residence, turning the church into a significant religious center. According to legend, Emperor Dušan himself visited the church while staying in the region. Another folk tale claims that just days before the Battle of Kosovo, Prince Lazar and Princess Milica stopped at the church to receive communion. However, no historical sources confirm this, leaving the story shrouded in mystery.

Following the Battle of Kosovo, the church endured destruction and arson by Hungarian and Ottoman forces. In the 16th century, it was restored by Patriarch Makarije Sokolović, as evidenced by an inscription above the entrance. Despite being ravaged again in the 19th century by the Ottomans, the church was soon rebuilt with the support of Prince Miloš Obrenović.

The latest reconstruction took place in 1818, during which the church’s doors were also installed. Though it has faced destruction multiple times, the Church of St. Archangel has managed to preserve its authenticity and historical significance.

ARCHITECTURE OF THE CHURCH

The original church was a single-nave structure with a dome and a semicircular apse, built using precisely cut basalt stone. One of its distinguishing features is the presence of consoles that narrow the central space, a rare architectural element from the Nemanjić period.

During later reconstructions, after the dome collapsed, a blind calotte was added over the sub-dome wreath, while a narthex was built on the western side. The church was then fully frescoed. The exterior was plastered and painted in a yellowish ochre tone, giving it a refined and elegant appearance.

Both entrances feature wooden, ornately decorated doors, crafted in different periods. The southern entrance doors, likely from the 18th century, are particularly remarkable for their beauty and craftsmanship.

Within the church complex stands a bell tower, built in the 19th century, much later than the church itself. The tower houses two bells, both donated by families who lost loved ones in Serbia’s liberation wars.

RECOGNITION AS A CULTURAL MONUMENT

In 1967 and 1968, essential conservation work was carried out on the church, including paving around its base to prevent water damage. During the same period, conservation efforts were made to preserve the church’s frescoes.

Further architectural restoration took place in 1969, focusing on roof repairs and yard excavation south of the church. By 1977, detailed research was conducted on the church’s structure, financed by the Republic Institute for Cultural Heritage of Serbia.

In March 1973, a team from the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments in Kragujevac visited the church to assess its condition and identify potential damages caused by winter conditions.

Finally, in July 1983, the Church of St. Archangel was officially designated as a cultural monument of great significance by the Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Serbia.

With its simple yet striking architecture, rich history, and intriguing legends, this church remains a testament to Serbia’s cultural and spiritual legacy.