The Studenica monastery is one of the largest and richest Serb Orthodox monasteries. The monastery is best known for its collection of 13th- and 14th century Byzantine-style fresco painting.It was founded in 1183 by Stefan Nemanja - founder of the medieval Serb state. Its fortified walls encompass two churches: the Church of the Virgin, and the Church of the King, both of which were built using white marble.