Fruška Gora (Serbian: Фрушка Гора or Fruška Gora, Croatian: Fruška Gora, Hungarian: Tarczal, Latin: Alma Mons) is a mountain in the north of Syrmia, Serbia, sometimes also called the Jewel of Vojvodina for its beautiful landscapes, nature and countryside. A smaller part of the mountain in the west is located in Croatia.
The mountain got its name after the old Serbo-Croatian name for Frankish people - Fruzi (Frug=Frank, Fruzi=Franks, fruški=Frankish). The full translation of the name Fruška Gora would be 'a Frankish Mountain'. During the time of Roman Empire, its name was 'Alma Mons' (fertile mount).
Most of it is in Vojvodina, Serbia, and a smaller part in the west is in Croatia. It is bound by the Danube in the north. It is about 80 km lengthwise east to west, about 15 km north to south. The highest peak is Crveni Čot at 539 m.
The slopes of Fruška Gora are well suited for grapes - there are many wine-makers producing Traminer, Riesling and other wines in the region. Its fertility and beauty attracted people in the past and equaly at the present days, so it became known as a place of peaceful and rich life of its ihabitants and place for enjoying and resting of many guests as well.
A large part of it (area of 25,525 km²) is a national park of Serbia since 1960.
Monasteries
There are also as many as sixteen Serb Orthodox monasteries located on Fruška Gora because of the hospitable natural environment. According to historical data, these monastery communities were historically recorded since the first decades of the 16th century, but the legends relate their founding to the period between the 12th and 15th centuries. The monasteries are concentrated in an area 50 kilometers long, and 10 kilometers wide. In the course of centuries of their existence, these monasteries sustained the spiritual and political life of the Serbian nation.
The list of monasteries:
Beočin - The time of founding is unknown. It is first mentioned in Turkish records dated in 1566/1567.
Bešenovo - According to the legend, the monastery of Bešenovo was founded by Serbian KingDragutin at the end of the 13th century. The earliest historical records about the monastery date to 1545.
Velika Remeta - Traditionally, its founding is linked to King Dragutin. The earliest historical records about the monastery date to 1562.
Vrdnik-Ravanica - The exact date of its founding is unknown. The records indicate that the church was built at the time of Metropolitan Serafim, in the second half of the 16th century.
Grgeteg - According to tradition the monastery was founded by Zmaj Ognjeni Vuk (DespotVuk Grgurević) in 1471. The earliest historical records about the monastery date to 1545/1546.
Divša - It is believed to have been founded by Despot Jovan Branković in the late 15th century. The earliest historical records about the monastery date to the second half of the 16th century.
Krušedol - The monastery was founded between 1509 and 1516, by Bishop Maksim (Despot Đorđe Branković) and his mother Angelina.
Kuveždin - Traditionally, its foundation is ascribed to Stefan Štiljanović. The first reliable records of it are dated in 1566/1569.
Mala Remeta - The foundation is traditionally ascribed to the Serbian King Dragutin. The earliest historical records relating to the monastery are dated to the middle of the 16th century.
Novo Hopovo - According to tradition, the monastery was built by the Despots of the House of Branković. The first reliable mention of monastery is dated to 1641.
Privina Glava - According to the legends, Privina Glava was founded by a man named Priva, in the 12th century. The earliest historical records about the monastery are dated in 1566/1567.
Petkovica - According to the tradition, founded by the widow of Stefan Štiljanović, Despotess Jelena. The earliest historical records mentioning the monastery are dated to 1566/1567.
Rakovac - According to a legend written in 1704, Rakovac was founded by a certain man, Raka, courtier of Despot Jovan Branković. The legend states that Raka erected the monastery in 1498. The earliest historical records mentioning the monastery are dated to 1545/1546.
Staro Hopovo - According to the tradition, the monastery was founded by Bishop Maksim (Despot Đorđe Branković). The first reliable mention of the monastery dates back to 1545/1546.
Šišatovac - The foundation of the monastery is ascribed to the refugee monks from the Serbian monastery of Žiča. The reliable facts illustrating the life of the monastery date back from the mid 16th century.
Saint Sava I | St. Arsenije I Sremac | Saint Danilo II | St. Sava II | St. Joanikije I | St. Jevstatije I | St. Sava III | St. Nikodim I St. Joanikije II | St. Sava IV | St. Jefrem | St. Spiridon | St. Jefrem | St. Gavrilo I
