The Zavala Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery located in the village of Zavala on the southwestern edge of Popovo Polje, in Ravno. The monastery is dedicated to the Presentation of Mary. The northern wall of the monastery's church is situated within a cave. This monastery is also known as a place where Basil of Ostrog entered into monasticism.
Along with Žitomislić and Tvrdoš, Zavala is one of the most important monasteries in East Herzegovina. The first written record of the monastery dates back to sixteenth century. During the Second World War, the monastery suffered major damage, and in the Bosnian War it was further damaged and abandoned.
After the war the monastery was restored, and together with Zavala village with its old architecture and stone masonry, and Vjetrenica cave constitute cultural-historic, architectural and natural assemble, protected by KONS as an important national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Because of its importance as national heritage, as well as tourist and ambiental attraction, site is also placed on the UNESCO Tentative list for inscription into UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
References:The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.
Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.