Serbian Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Saborna Crkva Rodenja Presvete Bogorodice) description and photos - Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sarajevo (Topic)

Serbian Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Saborna Crkva Rodenja Presvete Bogorodice) description and photos - Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sarajevo. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Saborna Crkva Rodenja Presvete Bogorodice.

Photo and description

The Serbian Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is evidence of the tolerant attitude of the Turkish authorities towards other religious confessions.

In 1863, the Orthodox community of the city appealed to the officials of the Ottoman Empire for permission to the construction of the Orthodox Church. Not only permission was obtained, but also a monetary donation from the ruling sultan Abdul Aziz for its construction. The main funds were collected by the Serbian merchants of Sarajevo. The stronghold of Orthodoxy, the Russian Empire, sent experts to create the iconostasis, as well as donated icons, church utensils and books, vestments for clergy.

This was the first monumental religious building in the city that does not belong to the Muslim religion. When the tower of the temple began to rise above some of the minarets, a group of radical Muslims plotted to disrupt the grand opening of the Orthodox Church. This became known to the Orthodox community, which, through the Russian consul, brought this to the attention of the Ottoman Sultan. The conspirators were arrested, and the dedication of the temple was postponed. In the summer of 1872, the Sultan sent troops and even artillery to secure the event. The dedication took place solemnly and without incident.

The church was built in the form of a basilica with three naves. Its five domes are erected on beams, the diameter of the central dome is 34 meters. In front of the entrance there is a 45-meter high baroque bell tower decorated with carvings and gilding. Inside, the walls of the cathedral are decorated with frescoes, the windows are stained-glass, the motives of the frescoes are repeated in the ornaments of arches and vaults.

Interesting, that the church is next to a Catholic church and a synagogue. Perhaps, as believers say, the "prayer" of this place saved all three religious buildings from the bombing of the Balkan war.

At present, this church is considered the main Orthodox cathedral in Sarajevo and one of the largest in the Balkans.

We also recommend reading Royal Palace Amalienborg description and photos - Denmark: Copenhagen

Topic: Serbian Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Saborna Crkva Rodenja Presvete Bogorodice) description and photos - Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sarajevo.