"Monastery of Sv Preobrazenie-Zrze" Zrze by MacedonianUK

Zrze Travel Guide: 1 reviews and 17 photos

Spirituality & Nature

Entrance to the Monastery complex

It is located to the north of Prilep, above the village of Zrze.
The church is dedicated to the Holy Transfiguration.
It was built by monk German in the mid-XIV century, during King Dusan's time.
Its maintenance was continued by his nieces, fresco painters Joan (a metropolitan) and his brother Makarie (a monk).
After the arrival of the Turks within the region, the brothers ceded the monastery to their village mayor Konstantin and his sons Jakov, Kalojan, and Dimitar. During Bayazit I the monastery was abandoned, and it was renewed by Konstantin.
Before 1368/1369 the western parvis was added.
After the death of Konstantin's sons, it was abandoned again, and in the early XVI century was seriously damaged.
It was reconstructed in 1535. During 1544/1545, six priests lived there: priest Jakov, priest Malesija, priest Filip, priest Gerasim, priest Nikola, and priest Josif.
In 1616 Visarion the monk transcribed a Menaion for the month of February in the monastery, and was paid for the job by Stojan Petkov from the village of Krapa.
In 1625 the latest, the church's structure was finished, and a parvis was added. In 1624/1625 the monastery's prior was Damaskin, and in 1634/1635 Petronij, with the monks Kiril Simeon and Gerasim.
In the XVII century the monastery was expanded. On its northern side the church of St. Petar and Pavle (Peter and Paul) was built, later known as Shepherds' church.
During the XVIII century the Ottoman rebel - commander Mat Ilija used the monastery as a shelter.
In the middle of the same century the monastery was plundered. In the village of Zrze there were many old churches that maybe were its appendices.
According to a legend, both Vukasin and his son, King Marko, got married in the monastery

Views of Pelagonia plain from the church courtyard

The church was not spared during the Turkish plunder. As a result, the majority of the church inventory disappeared forever. Fortunately not everything was lost. The monastery of Zrze, evidently protected by its lucky star, resisted all the evil and destructive spirits that attacked it during its centuries long life.

Telephone contact to the Monastery: 00389 48 45 9400

Pros and Cons

Pros:Worth your trubble to get there, as the monastery and scenary are breathtaking!
Cons:Road is little bit too "off the beaten track" but MOnasteries in MKD are up in the Mountains!
In a nutshell:Breathtaking!!!

Last visit to Zrze: Aug 2008
Intro Updated Dec 22, 2009
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Reviews (4)

Sv Nikola church part II Things to Do (3)

Frescoes.... more travel advice

Sv Nikola Church XIV AD Things to Do (3)

Iconostases & frescoes more travel advice

History of the monastery Favorites (1)

The monastery of Zrze is at about 25km west of Prilep built on flat ground surrounded by oak woodland. The monastery... more travel advice

Church complex Things to Do (3)

Frescoes XIV AD more travel advice

Comments (3)

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Odiseya Oct 12, 2012 at 11:03 PM

Interested cultured travel. I will keep in mind this recommendation.
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travelgourmet Nov 1, 2010 at 3:24 AM

Hello Valentina, I stopped at your page on Zrze as the name intrigued me. In California, USA we have a Zzyzx Road. Your Zrze has a beauitful monastery and the frescoes are fantastic. Thanks for great photos. Larry
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Pijlmans Dec 5, 2009 at 3:46 PM

I almost went here, but it was too late in the afternoon...Next time! Dennis