Andreaš Monastery

About

Saint Andrew's Monastery (Macedonian: Манастир „Св. Андреја“) is located in the Municipality of Saraj, in the western part of Mount Vodno, North Macedonia. Situated next to the Treska River, it is found before the dam that created Lake Matka, approximately 17 kilometres (11 mi) southwest of Skopje.

The monastery was founded in 1389 by Andrijaš, one of the two sons of King Vukašin. Nestled among steep and high cliffs, it is one of the few monasteries where most of the inscriptions from the time of its construction and painting have been preserved. It is dedicated to the Apostle Andrew.

The monastery, standing in the midst of the Treska Gorge, on a small natural platform near the river, encompasses both monastic buildings and a church. The church exhibits a typical Byzantine style, featuring a cross plan and a trefoil apse. The northern and southern trefoils serve as choirs, while the eastern trefoil functions as the altar apse.

The exterior of the church is adorned with two rows of semicircular niches, enhancing its visual appeal. Additionally, there is a porch that was added to the church in the mid-16th century. Within the relatively small church, an abundance of frescoes can be found...