Novo Hopovo lies in a side valley a few hundred metres off the main road between Novi Sad and Irig, which makes it the most accessible of the great monasteries. Tradition credits its foundation to the Branković despots; it is first recorded in 1541, and the present church of St Nicholas was built in 1576 by donors from the town of Gornji Kovin.
Architecturally it is the masterpiece of Fruška Gora: a large church in the Morava tradition whose twelve-sided dome is wrapped in a ring of free-standing colonnettes, an effect found nowhere else in Serbian architecture. In the 18th century Hopovo was a centre of learning — the young Dositej Obradović, later Serbia’s first minister of education, was a monk here from 1757 to 1760.
Top things to do: Novo Hopovo Monastery
Study the frescoes
The nave was painted in 1608 and the narthex in 1654 by masters trained in the Mount Athos tradition. Look for the vivid Massacre of the Innocents and the cycle of Christ’s miracles. The paintings were damaged in the Second World War and have been under patient restoration since.
Circle the church
Walk right round the building to appreciate the dome and its colonnade, the alternating stone and brick, and the blind arcades of the apse. Late-afternoon light is best.
Venerate St Theodore Tyron
Hopovo has kept relics of the warrior-saint Theodore Tyron since the 16th century, which made it a place of pilgrimage. The baroque iconostasis by Teodor Kračun was largely destroyed in the war; surviving icons are kept in museums.
Walk to Staro Hopovo
A forest track of about 2.5 km leads up the valley to tiny Staro Hopovo, a single-domed church of 1752 with a separate stone belfry — one of the most peaceful spots on the mountain. Good shoes are enough; allow two hours return.
How to get to Novo Hopovo Monastery
- By car: on road 21 between Iriški Venac and Irig, about 25 km from Novi Sad; a signposted lane leads a few hundred metres to the car park.
- By bus: Novi Sad–Irig–Ruma buses pass the turn-off; ask the driver for “manastir Hopovo” and walk the short lane. Check return times before you set out.
- On a tour: included in the longer monastery tours.
Insider tips
- Combine Hopovo with Iriški Venac (10 minutes uphill) and a winery in Irig (10 minutes downhill) for an easy half-day.
- The monastery shop sells its own honey and herbal products.
- Mornings are quietest; on warm weekends the car park fills with picnickers.
- The usual dress code applies — shoulders and knees covered.
Best tours & tickets: Novo Hopovo Monastery
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Novo Hopovo Monastery:
Small-group day tour from €101 Fruška Gora: 7 Orthodox Monasteries & Spiritual Journey
The deep dive: seven monasteries from the eastern valleys to Jazak in a single day, with a guide who explains the frescoes, relics and the story of the “Serbian Holy Mountain”. Check the meeting point when booking — this tour starts on the mountain.
- Velika Remeta, Krušedol and Grgeteg
- Novo Hopovo and Staro Hopovo
- Vrdnik-Ravanica and Jazak
Private day tour from €182 per group Belgrade: Fruška Gora Monasteries & Iriški Venac Private Day Tour
A private scenic day across the mountain with your own driver-host — monasteries, the ridge road and viewpoints, at whatever pace suits you. New on GetYourGuide and priced per group, so it works out well for three or four people.
- Private car and driver-host from Belgrade
- Historic monasteries at your own pace
- Viewpoints on the ridge at Iriški Venac
