Moštanica Monastery is one of the largest Serbian monasteries in Bosnia. Impressed by its rich and harmonious medieval architecture, visitors are usually unanimous that this is one of the most stunning monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the country. Dating back to the 12th century and being one of only two female monasteries (besides Gomionica Monastery) in northern Bosnia & Herzegovina, Moštanica is also one of the oldest convents, if not the oldest one. Covered with a veil of mystery, this beauty dedicated to the Archangel Michael had a tempestuous past, being burnt down and rebuilt no fewer than nine times. So, history lovers and faith seekers, get ready, this is the story for you.
References:The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.
The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.
The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.