The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Bijelo Polje is one of the most important and oldest cultural-historical and religious monuments in Montenegro. Key facts and historical significance: Founder and origin: It was built by Miroslav, the Duke of Hum, brother of Stefan Nemanja, at the end of the 12th century (around 1190). The inscription about the founding is carved above the stone portal of the church. Miroslav's Gospel: The famous Miroslav's Gospel was written and illuminated precisely for this church and by order of Prince Miroslav - the oldest preserved Cyrillic manuscript in the Serbo-Slavic language and a monument under the protection of UNESCO. Unique architecture: The church is characterized by an unusual combination of Romanesque and Byzantine architecture. It is recognizable by two tall stone bell towers on the western facade, which is a rare and specific architectural detail for Orthodox temples of that era. Turbulent history: During the Ottoman rule in the 17th century, the church was turned into a mosque (Fethija mosque), and a minaret was built next to it. At the beginning of the 20th century (in 1912), it was returned to its original purpose and re-consecrated as an Orthodox temple. Spiritual seat: It served as the seat of the Diocese of Hum and later Polim, and today it represents one of the main spiritual and cultural centers of the Bjelo Polje region and Polimlje.
