The name 'Pokajnica' translates literally to 'The Repentance' or 'The Place of Penance'.
It was built without the use of a single iron nail, utilizing traditional wooden joinery techniques.
The interior iconostasis contains 20 icons painted in 1818 by Kosta Moler.
Prince Vujica Vulićević commissioned the church to seek forgiveness for his involvement in the murder of his kum (godfather) and revolutionary leader Karađorđe.
The building survived two centuries of regional conflicts without significant structural modification to its original log layout.
Pokajnica Monastery is a 19th-century log church (brvnara) located in Staro Selo, Serbia, originally built in 1818. It was constructed by Prince Vujica Vulićević as an act of repentance for his role in the assassination of Karađorđe Petrović. The structure is recognized as a Cultural Monument of Exceptional Importance in Serbia. The exterior features traditional dark oak planks, while the interior houses a notable iconostasis painted by the Zograf school. Unlike many stone monasteries of the era, the building stands as a rare surviving example of Morava-style wooden religious architecture. It is an active Orthodox monastery complex maintained by the Serbian Orthodox Church. The wooden construction is remarkably preserved, showcasing 19th-century craftsmanship in local carpentry and iconography.
The front facade, which perfectly captures the weathered dark oak logs and the traditional porch structure.
The site is small; coordinate your visit with a larger trip to the surrounding Velika Plana region to maximize your time.
Respect that this is an active religious site; quiet demeanor is expected at all times.
Check for local Orthodox feast days, as the site can become busier with local pilgrims.
Do not treat the site as a casual park; refrain from eating or drinking within the monastery walls.
Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered. Photography inside the sanctuary is generally prohibited without prior permission from the clergy.
