The Church of Saint Nicholas in Grahovo (near Nikšić) is one of the most significant and oldest preserved religious and cultural-historical monuments in this part of Montenegro.
Here are the key details and interesting facts about this church:
1. Extremely rare historical document about construction
Dubrovnik Archives: The original contract dated February 16, 1499, about the construction of this church, is preserved in the Dubrovnik Archives. It is one of the few preserved written documents that testifies to the exact time, method and masters who built the temple at that time in Montenegro.
Duration of construction: Construction began in 1499 and was completed in July 1502. The work was prolonged most likely because of the Venetian-Turkish war that was fought during that period.
2. Architecture and appearance
Structure: The church is of modest dimensions, a one-nave building with a semicircular altar apse on the east side. It is built of regular, large stone blocks.
Restoration in the 19th century: The church underwent a major restoration in 1879 thanks to the efforts of the local population. Then the western facade was rebuilt and the recognizable belfry was added on a trestle with one opening for the bell, which can be seen in the attached photo.
3. Fresco-painting
The interior of the church is decorated with old fresco-painting created shortly after the completion of construction (between 1502 and 1512).
The paintings bear the stamp of the traditional Byzantine style with noticeable influences of Western (Mediterranean) painting of that era.
4. Necropolis with stećci
Around the church itself, there is an old cemetery where the necropolis with stećci (medieval tombstones) in the form of slabs, chests and gables, some of which are decorated with relief ornaments and figures, stands out.
5. Protection status
Due to its exceptional historical, architectural and artistic value, the Church of Saint Nicholas was declared a protected cultural monument in 1957.
