Manastirot Sveti Nikita, s. Banjani, skopsko, Republika Makedoniija

	In the immediate vicinity of the Skopje’s village Banjani, on the southwest slopes of the mountain Skopska Crna Gora, on altitude of 565 meters the monastery Saint Nikita is situated. The monastery complex includes monastery church, old mansion with belfry from 19th century, mansion-building, Bishop’s residence and some smaller objects.
Monastery St. Nikita, village of Gornjani, 14th century

The monastery church was built on a cult place. It represents a legacy of the King Milutin from 1307/8. The same year in its neighborhood, the already mentioned ruler built a chapel, dedicated to the St.Jovan Preteca, that was completely destroyed by the end of 17th century. The church St.Nikita witnessed several repairs and annexes during the many centuries of its existence. It represents typical example of the medieval Macedonian church architecture and painting. It is built of stone and bricks with base of written cross in rectangle, above which middle part a cupola elevates, built on pendentives and on four squared columns. Its decorated façade is enriched with blind arcades filled with various geometrical ornaments. The most impressive decorative elements lie in the altar’s apse.

Greater part of the fresco-decoration of the church originates from the time of its construction. Exception make the parts of the cupola which' fresco-decoration dates from later times, from 19th century. One fragment is saved of the fresco-decoration of the older church, on which foundations the current church was built.

The fresco-decoration in the church St.Nikita is divided into three zones. According to one inscription on the Trion shield in the first zone of frescoes on the southern wall, the names of the famous masters-icon painters Mihajlo and Eftihij are indicated, who are at the same time authors of the frescoes of the following churches: St. Clement in Ohrid and St.Gjorgji in village of Staro Nagoricane, Kumanovo region.

On the frescoes of the first zone are painted an-face figures of number of saints in their natural size. The second zone if filled with the Miracles of Christ and the third zone frescoes present illustrations of Sufferings of Christ. It is typical that besides the inscription in Greek alphabet, there is an inscription in old Slavic alphabet, which tells that in the time of construction of the church and painting the fresco-paintings, the old Slavic language and alphabet were known to the population.

All rights reserved. Any reproduction of the content or any of its parts or any modification, in any form or by any method, known or yet to be invented, for any use besides private, without prior written permission by the authors is prohibited.