Of the sixteen monasteries that survive on Fruška Gora, half lie west of Vrdnik, strung along the southern foothills for almost forty kilometres. Few coach tours come this far. What you find instead are small communities of monks or nuns, restored churches still bearing the scars of the Second World War, and a countryside of plum orchards and vineyards.
The essential stops are Jazak, Mala Remeta and Šišatovac; with more time, add Bešenovo, Petkovica, Kuveždin, Divša (Đipša) and, at the far end near Šid, Privina Glava. Our monastery guide lists all sixteen.
Top things to do: Jazak, Mala Remeta & the Western Monasteries
Jazak
Built between 1736 and 1758, Jazak is the most harmonious baroque monastery on the mountain, with a trefoil church in a closed courtyard. From 1705 it sheltered the relics of Emperor Uroš, the last ruler of the Nemanjić dynasty; taken to Belgrade in 1942, they were returned in 2001.
Mala Remeta
A tiny convent in a narrow valley above the village of the same name, with a church of 1759. The Deurić winery is close by — an easy pairing of the sacred and the profane.
Šišatovac
Founded in 1520 by monks from Žiča, Šišatovac kept the relics of St Stefan Štiljanović and became a literary centre under its abbot, the poet Lukijan Mušicki. Here Vuk Karadžić wrote down epic songs from the blind bard Filip Višnjić. The complex was badly damaged in the war and has been carefully rebuilt.
Petkovica and Kuveždin
Near Šišatovac, Petkovica is a modest 16th-century church with frescoes of 1588, hidden in the woods; Kuveždin, close by, has been rebuilt after wartime destruction. A forest trail links the three.
Privina Glava
The westernmost monastery, near Šid, is attributed by legend to a 12th-century nobleman named Priba. Its 18th-century church stands in open country with vineyards all around.
How to get to Jazak, Mala Remeta & the Western Monasteries
- By car: essential. From Vrdnik it is 6 km to Jazak, 10 km to Mala Remeta and about 30 km to Šišatovac via the foothill road through Bešenovo and Ležimir. From Belgrade use the A3 motorway and the Ruma or Sremska Mitrovica exits.
- By bike: the quiet foothill road makes a fine cycling day for fit riders, with some short, steep climbs to the monasteries themselves.
- On a tour: the seven-monastery tour reaches Jazak; the monasteries further west are for independent travellers.
Insider tips
- Fill the tank and carry water and snacks — villages are small and shops close early.
- Road signs are often in Cyrillic only: Јазак, Мала Ремета, Шишатовац, Петковица.
- Start in the west and work back towards Vrdnik, so you end the day near the spa.
- Some churches are opened only on request; ring the bell at the residence and wait.
Best tours & tickets: Jazak, Mala Remeta & the Western Monasteries
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Jazak, Mala Remeta & the Western Monasteries:
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
