The paper traces the development of two mediaeval Slavic architectural traditions. Russian and Serbian. The authors analyze the process of adoption of Byzantine models and their subsequent interpretation in the churches from the 11th to the 13th century. The churches of Premongol Russia and of Rascia school are compared taking into account the specific cultural-historical context in each country. The objective is to define the main stages in development of the two traditions, its main characteristics, similarities and distinctive features.