The monastery is situated at an elevation of approximately 800 meters above sea level.
It was one of the few monasteries in the region that remained active during the Ottoman period due to its remote location.
The interior iconostasis was crafted in the 19th century and remains largely preserved in its original form.
Access to the monastery was historically restricted to footpaths until modern local infrastructure improvements.
The monastery is part of a larger cluster of ten monasteries known as the 'Serbian Mount Athos'.
Monastery Sretenje is a female-led Orthodox monastery located on the northern slopes of the Ovčar mountain in the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge, Serbia. Founded in the late 16th century, the monastery is noted for its secluded position at the end of a difficult mountain ascent. The main church is dedicated to the Meeting of the Lord and was reconstructed in 1818 by Bishop Nikifor Maksimović. Its architecture reflects traditional Morava school influences, featuring a stone base and a distinctively shaped dome. The site houses a small brotherhood of nuns who maintain the grounds and engage in icon painting and gold embroidery. Because of its remote location, the monastery remains one of the least accessible in the Ovčar-Kablar monastery cluster.
The stone courtyard looking back toward the church dome with the surrounding mountain canopy in the background.
Wear sturdy hiking boots as the path to the monastery is steep and uneven.
Carry sufficient water as there are no shops or vendors on the mountain trail.
Check weather conditions before departing, as the mountain path can become muddy and treacherous after rain.
Attempting to drive a standard vehicle all the way to the gate, as the road is unpaved and intended for off-road vehicles.
The road access is occasionally impassable during heavy winter snow or extreme rainfall.
Dress modestly covering shoulders and knees; remove hats; maintain silence; photography inside the church is generally prohibited.
