Gračanica Monastery

Gračanica Monastery is located in the southern region of Serbia, the province of Kosovo and Metohija, not far from Priština. It is an endowment of King Milutin and was built at the beginning of the 14th century, in 1315. Gračanica Monastery is considered one of the most beautiful Serbian sacral architectural jewels of the time and is heritage-listed among the most valuable cultural-historical monuments of the country.

That is why this artwork holds particular sentimental value and sensibility. Carrying special significance, it displays the holy entrance to the monastery (where we make the sign of the cross when we enter, we cross ourselves). The doors to Gračanica Monastery are soaked in tears, while its walls and the edifice itself are soaked in blood. It is this very blood that roots of peonies are soaked in just as much – the hero blood spilt in wars, in protection of one’s people, their liberty, and the country.