Banjica, BA

Tavna Monastery

Tavna Monastery is an Orthodox monastery first mentioned in 1548. The church of the monastery was frescoed, probably at the beginning of the 17th century. Its frescoes are very reminiscent of the frescoes of the monasteries of Žitomislić and Ozren, which were made between 1608 and 1609. During the Second World War, in July 1941, the Ustashas (Croatian fascists) dispersed and interned the monks. The monastery was bombed several times and in 1943, when a partisan hospital took refuge in the monastery, the Ustasha army set fire to the dormitory. At that time, the library and old writings were completely destroyed but the church was somewhat preserved.

About this building

Key Features

  • Architecture
  • Monuments

Other nearby buildings

Wikimedia Commons/Vlado Sofrenic

Atik Mosque

The Atik Mosque is the oldest mosque in Bijeljina, built between 1520 and 1566. During the Turkish-Austrian war from 1716 to 1718, the inhabitants of Bijeljina used the mosque as a defensive bastion, as they had no fortresses. The mosque of Bijeljina was later transformed into a Catholic church from 1718 to 1739 by the Austrians. In 1893 a new minaret was built, and in 1912 another Şerefe was added and raised by another 10 metres. Until the beginning of the Second World War, there was an old cemetery next to the Atik Mosque. Later the authorities prohibited burial next to the mosque.

Thumbnail

Why Religiana?

How is Religiana helping to conserve and promote Religious Heritage in Europe and why should you get involved?

Find out about Religiana
Thumbnail

Become a partner

Are you a tourism organisation or religious heritage sites manager? Discover the advantages of becoming a partner.

See current partners

Keep up to date

We can keep you up to date with the latest news from Religiana and religious heritage conservation across Europe.

Sign up to the FRH newsletter

Religiana is powered by the Future for Religious Heritage