On November 23, 2024, an exhibition dedicated to the Serbian holy sites in Kosovo and Metohija was inaugurated at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. The event marks the 20th anniversary of the inclusion of the Visoki Dečani Monastery on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The exhibition was organized by Serbia's Ministry of Culture and the Raška-Prizren Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

The exhibition aims to highlight the exceptional cultural and spiritual value of Serbian holy sites while drawing attention to their preservation—an ongoing priority for UNESCO, according to the Serbian Church’s official website.

The opening ceremony took place in the Segur Hall in a formal setting. Speakers included Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre; Arnaud Gouillon, Director of Serbia’s Office for Public and Cultural Diplomacy; and Serbia’s Minister of Culture, Nikola Selaković.

The exhibition was formally opened by His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia, who emphasized the significance of Serbian holy sites as spiritual and cultural beacons for the world.

“These sacred places reflect the light of the true God, illuminating the path to virtue, peace, and love, even in the most challenging times. We are grateful to UNESCO for its efforts in preserving this heritage for future generations,” Patriarch Porfirije remarked.

The event concluded with a performance of spiritual hymns by the choir of the Cyril and Methodius Theological Seminary in Prizren.

The Visoki Dečani Monastery, along with the Patriarchate of Peć, Gračanica Monastery, and the Church of Our Lady of Ljeviš, are inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as endangered sites. These monuments are outstanding examples of Serbian medieval art and form an integral part of Serbia’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

However, Serbian heritage in Kosovo and Metohija remains under constant threat. Between 2023 and 2024, 31 attacks on Serbian Orthodox Church properties were recorded, including incidents of desecration and destruction of cultural assets.

The exhibition at UNESCO serves as a reminder of the need for collective international efforts to protect endangered cultural heritage. It also underscores the importance of preserving historical truth and safeguarding spiritual values amid contemporary challenges. The exhibition will remain open to visitors until the end of December.

UNESCO’s World Heritage Program, established in 1972, encompasses over 1,100 sites worldwide of cultural and natural significance. Serbia, which became a UNESCO member in 2000, has five cultural heritage sites, with the Serbian medieval monasteries of Kosovo and Metohija holding a special place.