| Church of Saints Peter and Paul | |
|---|---|
| Црква светих апостола Петра и Павла | |
 Church of Saints Peter and Paul | |
 | |
| 43°02′08″N19°44′41″E / 43.03556°N 19.74472°E /43.03556; 19.74472 | |
| Location | Bijelo Polje |
| Country | Montenegro |
| Denomination | Serbian Orthodox |
| History | |
| Dedication | Saint Peter &Saint Paul |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Eparchy of Budimlja and Nikšić |
TheChurch of Saints Peter and Paul (Serbian:Црква светих апостола Петра и Павла,Crkva svetih apostola Petra i Pavla) inBijelo Polje is a medievalSerbian Orthodox church inMontenegro. The building is renowned for its unusual architectural composition, combining a relatively small main body with a towering six-storybelfry.[1]
Constructed in multiple phases from the 6th to the 14th century, the church reflects a blend of pre-Romanesque and Byzantine architectural influences and demonstrates historical connections betweenMedieval Serbia’s hinterlands and theAdriatic coast.[1] It is notable as the place whereMiroslav Gospel, a key work ofSerbian literature included inUNESCO’sMemory of the World register ofSerbia, was written.[2]
Archaeological evidence suggests the site originally hosted a single-aisled church from the 6th century, later rebuilt in the late 11th or early 12th century.[1] According to an inscription above its entrance, the church was built in 1196 by PrinceMiroslav of Hum, brother ofStefan Nemanja.[2] The building's role in the medieval church hierarchy is evidenced by the relocation of the bishopric seat from Ston to Bijelo Polje in 1254.[3] It served for many years as the seat of the Hum bishopric, with the first bishop being Sava, the second son of KingStefan the First-Crowned.[2] DuringOttoman Empire rule, the church was converted into amosque in 1691, remaining so until the liberation of Bijelo Polje in 1912.[2]
