Faculty of Philosophy

Despot Stefan Lazarević (1389-1427) has been one of the most remarkable figures of the Serbian Middle Ages. He was a prince and despot, ruler of Serbia after the death of his father Prince Lazar in the battle of Kosovo in 1389. Besides that, he was one of the most prominent knights of Europe, fighting as Ottoman vassal in the battles of Rovine (1395) and Nicopolis (1396) where he had destroyed Burgundian and French cavalry. He was also fighting against the Mongols at the battle of Angora in 1402. Being later vassal of king Sigismund of Luxembourg he was named the first knight in the Order of the Dragon (1408). Despot Stefan was one of the most important Hungarian barons, holding even a palace in Buda. He was an educated writer and a poet, too. Six centuries ago, the monastery of Manasija (known also as Resava) has been built. In the same time it was a strong fortress that had to prevent Ottoman Turks from invading it, but also a center of culture and spirituality. It is one of the most remarkable medieval Serbian monasteries, and represents a true revolution with its unique art and architecture.