The frescoes adorning the church of the Holy Trinity Monastery in Pljevlja, recognized as a cultural asset of national significance, are in dire condition and require immediate protection. Visible damage is also present on the building’s facades.

This is highlighted in the Study of Cultural Heritage Protection crafted for the development of the Spatial Plan of the Municipality of Pljevlja, executed by the Administration for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Montenegro.

“The church’s roof structure and covering, along with its frescoes, are in inadequate condition. The wooden roof structure is directly supported by three pillars on the church’s vault, potentially threatening the stability of both the vault and the frescoes. The roof is covered with galvanized sheet metal that is deteriorating, leading to cracks sealed with silicone; all gutters are either damaged or have collapsed significantly, contributing to major harm (particularly horizontal ones) to the roof cornice and church facades. Furthermore, it is prudent to assume that these and other roof damages are substantially impacting the church’s structure, especially the interior, which is entirely adorned with frescoes; these artworks are in particularly poor condition, especially those in the apse (altar area). Noticeable cracks appear in the upper zones, while lower zones exhibit visible moisture and mold, largely obscuring the painted surfaces,” the Study outlines.

The structures surrounding the church, within the cultural property boundary, remain in good physical condition and preserve their cultural and historical significance.

In response to an inquiry from “Vijesti” regarding when and what measures would be taken to protect the frescoes and prevent further deterioration of the church, the Administration for the Protection of Cultural Heritage stated that, in accordance with the Law on the Protection of Cultural Heritage, the Administration acts by setting conditions and granting approval for project documentation upon request from the owner, or the holder of the cultural heritage.

The owner of the Holy Trinity Monastery in Pljevlja is the Mileševo Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

“It is also mandated that the owner of a cultural asset must preserve it, utilize it appropriately, maintain it regularly, and implement other required or established protection measures promptly,” the Administration noted.

They emphasize that safeguarding cultural property is a multifaceted challenge, as these are extremely old and valuable structures, necessitating a long-term and systematic strategy to halt the adverse processes threatening them.

“The Administration possesses extensive documentation regarding actions undertaken to enhance the condition of the Holy Trinity Monastery. We would like to remind that as early as 2004, the then-republican Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments granted approval for the Main Contractor’s Project aimed at protecting the church from moisture-related issues. The church’s condition has been under continuous observation, and the Administration’s experts have consistently highlighted moisture problems in their reports. We hold records from assessments conducted in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2019,” the Administration replied when asked why no action had been taken to protect this culturally significant asset from decay.

Prior to constructing a drainage system, the Administration asserts that research is essential due to the presence of graves along the church walls.

“It isn’t accurate to claim that no action has been taken; however, it’s crucial to recognize that this is a complex facility. Previous acts from the Administration have recommended comprehensive research, including archaeological, conservation, and hydrological studies, taking into account the persistent moisture issues. After conducting the necessary research, a master plan for the rehabilitation of the Holy Trinity Monastery should be developed, encompassing the overall rehabilitation of the sacred structure as well as the drainage and pathways. The Administration has communicated this necessity to the Ministry of Culture and Media and the Public Institution Center for Conservation and Archaeology of Montenegro,” they added.

The Administration reminds that all cultural asset owners can apply annually for the Program for the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Assets announced by the Ministry of Culture and Media, to secure funding for project documentation preparation and the implementation of conservation measures.

“In the 2024 Program for the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage, the Ministry of Culture has allocated funds for the ‘renovation of the roof covering of the Holy Trinity Monastery Church in Pljevlja’ and the ‘establishment of a drainage system around the monastery church’. Regarding the project, this Administration granted its approval for the Conservation Project for the roof covering renovation on July 4 and 7; however, changes to the Law on Construction of Buildings and Spatial Planning have rendered this project documentation invalid,” the Administration clarified.

The Holy Trinity Monastery, also known as the Vrhbreznica Monastery, was constructed in 1537 when the church was established by hieromonk Visarion. Half a century later, the monk Georgije Poblaćanin, with his son hieromonk Anania and nephew, spahije Vojin, erected the church narthex in 1592.

Several years afterwards, priest Strahinja from Budimlje painted the church. The church adopted its current appearance in 1876 with the addition of the outer narthex. The monastery complex also comprises old dormitories and other supporting structures.

Boiler Room Built Against Conditions

The Study on the Protection of Cultural Heritage aimed at developing the Pljevlja Urban Development Plan indicates the construction of a boiler room facility in front of the port’s enclosing wall, which is inconsistent with conservation conditions and guidelines and does not align with the characteristics and values of the cultural property.

When asked if any actions had been taken regarding this issue, the Administration replied that “they were not aware of the construction of the boiler room; however, during a field visit conducted to prepare the Study, it was observed that the ground-floor building had been enlarged.”

“The protection measures indicate that its negative impact needs to be minimized or eradicated through appropriate conservation actions and measures.”

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