Bođani Monastery, Bač

The monastery’s origins go back to 1478, when a Dalmatian merchant named Bogdan founded the first church as an act of gratitude to the Mother of God after, according to tradition, his failing eyesight was miraculously restored. Over the centuries the complex suffered repeated destruction and rebuilding, including damage during the Rákóczi's War of Independence.

The present church, the fourth built on the site, dates from the 17th century and was funded by the wealthy merchant Mihajlo Timisvarlija from Szeged. Architecturally it reflects a Baroque style, unusual for Orthodox monasteries in the region, and is particularly known for its frescoes painted by Hristofor Žefarović, a prominent artist and iconographer of the period.

One of the monastery’s most treasured objects is the miraculous icon of the Mother of God Bođani, considered one of the rare Orthodox canonised miracle-working icons. According to tradition, believers visit the monastery seeking healing, especially couples hoping for children.

Historically, the monastery also maintained a small museum containing engravings, paintings, church vessels, and a printing press, along with artifacts connected to other Serbian monasteries such as Manasija Monastery. Many of these items now require restoration.

The monastery grounds include forests, orchards, gardens, and a spring inside the monastic residence. Tradition holds that this spring is where the founder Bogdan washed his eyes and regained his sight.

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