Ostrog Orthodox Monastery

Ostrog Monaste is a true miracle, made by joint efforts of nature and mankind. It is a monastery carved into an almost vertical cliff of mountain called Ostroska Greda at the height of 900 meters above sea level. From here one can enjoy the spectacular view of the Bjelopavlici plain.

Since ole times the caves of the mountain were home for hermits, who used them for seclusion and praying. However the place became known only in the 17th century, after the monastery was founded by Vasilije, the Metropolitan Bishop of Herzegovina. He died in 1671 and after was pronounces Saint for his faith, sinless life, kindness and help to people. He was proclaimed Saint Basil of Ostrog. His body is enshrined in a burial-vault kept in the cave-church, dedicated to the Presentation of the Mother of God to the Temple.

The Ostrog monastery is not only an Orthodox sanctuary, but it is also visited by followers of all religions throughout the world, who come here to pay homage to the relics of the Saint Vasilije, in search of a cure for their body and soul. After the tomb of Jesus Christ and the Mountain Athos, the monastery of Ostrog is the third most visited shrine in the Christian world.

Where to stay in the Ostrog Monastery?

The monastery can be easily reached from the towns of Podgorica and Niksic. That is the reason why the easiest way to visit Ostrog is to either take a one-day excursion that Globtour Montenegro offers you, or to get there by taxi or rent-a-car. In this case you can just include Ostrog, as a point to see during your holiday in Montenegro, and stay at the seaside. On the other hand if you would like to feel all the sanctity of this unbelievable place, it offers you few variants of accommodation.

The first opportunity is to stay in the dormitory the monastery offers to the pilgrims. It is located at the foot of the upper mountain very near to the Lower monastery.

The second, surely more comfortable option, is to stay in the village of Bogetici, near the bottom of the mountain in a place called Kolibe (at a distance of 5 km from the Ostrog Monastery). This place offers accommodation in wooden bungalows and has all the needed facilities. It is located at the very beginning of the pilgrim path that leads to the great Orthodox Sanctuary.

What to see in the monastery?

Due to its spectacular architecture and location the Ostrog Monastery is a true symbol of faith and purity of soul. It is a place where true miracles happen, where people gain peace, where those who are ill get cured, and those who have lost their way in life find their piece of mind. The Ostrog monastery consists of Upper and Lower monastery.

Upper monastery has two churches: Presentation of the Mary to the Temple, a resting place of the Saint Vasilije’s relics, and Holy Cross. The churches are decorated with frescos painted by famous painters in the 17th century, which are partly painted on the rocks of Ostrog mountain.

Lower monastery was built in the 19th century and consists of the Holy Trinity church, monastic residances and religious school from the 18th century. Nowadays regular liturgies are held here, as well as baptism and weddings are performed.

There is a. 5 km long road from the Lower to the Upper monastery, but also a shorter foot path through the woods wich can be crossed in about 25 minutes. In order to experience the magnitude of this place you should walk this path as the most humble of pilgrims. The Ostrog monastery in not only religious, but also cultural and historical monument. It testifies about the past and present time, about belief, culture and tradition of the people how have lived here for centuries.

Many legends and sayings are related to this Saint place

It is believed that after his death on the 29th of April 1671, Saint Basil began to appear in the dreams of Father – Superior of the Monastery, telling him to open his coffin. The moncs did as they were told and saw that the body hadn’t become demoralized. From than on the relics of Saint Basil became a true sanctuary. A grapevine grew up from the stone...

– in a cliff face 900m above the Zeta valley, the gleaming white Ostrog Monastery is the most important site in Montenegro for Orthodox Christians, attracting up to a million visitors annually. Even with its numerous pilgrims, tourists and souvenir stands, it’s a strangely affecting place. A guesthouse near the Lower Monastery offers tidy single-sex dorm rooms, while in summer sleeping mats are provided for free to pilgrims in front of the Upper Monastery The Lower Monastery (Donji manastir) is 2km below the main shrine. Stop here to admire the vivid frescoes in the Holy Trinity Church (Crkva Sv Trojice; 1824). Behind it is a natural spring where you can fill your bottles with deliciously cold, sweet water (and potentially benefit from an internal blessing as you sup it).

From here the faithful, some of them barefoot, plod up the steep road to the top. Halfway up, the stone walls of the little domed Church of St Stanko the Martyr (Crkva Sv Mučenika Stanka) gleam golden in the sunset. Nonpilgrims and the pure of heart may drive directly to the main car park and limit their penitence to just the final 200m.

The Upper Monastery (Gornji manastir; the really impressive one) is dubbed ‘Sv Vasilije’s miracle’, because no one seems to understand how it was built. Constructed in 1665 within two large caves, it gives the impression that it has grown out of the very rock. Sv Vasilije (St Basil), a bishop from Hercegovina, brought his monks here after the Ottomans destroyed Tvrdoš Monastery near Trebinje. Pilgrims queue to enter the atmospheric shrine where the saint’s fabric-wrapped bones are kept. To enter you’ll need to be wearing a long skirt or trousers (jeans are fine) and cover your shoulders. Most women also cover their heads with a scarf. It’s customary to back out of the doorways and you’ll witness much kissing of lintels and making of signs of the cross from the devout. At the very top of the monastery is another cavelike chapel with faded frescoes dating from 1667.

The monastery is so firmly entrenched in the country's psyche that many Montenegrins – even nonbelievers – commonly 'swear to Ostrog' ('Ostroga mi…') when promising to do something.

There’s no direct public transport, but numerous tour buses (€20 to €30 for a day trip) head here from all of the tourist hot spots. There's an Ostrog train station (five daily from Podgorica, 47 minutes, €1.80) way down at the bottom of the hill; it's about a 90-minute hike from there to the Lower Monastery.

If you're driving, we strongly recommend that you take the excellent road through Danilovgrad to the monastery. The old road leaves the main Podgorica–Nikšić highway 19km past Danilovgrad. It's extremely narrow, twisting and steep and in a very poor state of repair; in short, it's...

My visit to Ostrog Monastery in Montenegro was a truly awe-inspiring and spiritual experience. If you’re seeking a place of profound beauty and serenity, Ostrog Monastery is a must-visit destination.

Nestled amidst the breathtaking cliffs of Montenegro, the monastery is a testament to human ingenuity and devotion. As I made my way up the winding path, the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes unfolded before my eyes, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey.

Upon reaching the monastery, I was immediately struck by its architectural marvel. The intricate design and the blend of the monastery’s white facade with the natural rock formations were truly remarkable. It felt like a harmonious integration of man-made structure and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.

As I stepped inside, I was enveloped by a sense of tranquility and reverence. The hallowed halls of the monastery exuded an air of spirituality, inviting contemplation and introspection. The stunning frescoes and religious artifacts adorned the walls, telling stories of faith and devotion that have withstood the test of time.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Ostrog Monastery is the revered relics of Saint Basil of Ostrog. The opportunity to pay homage to these sacred relics was a deeply moving experience. It felt as if I was connecting with centuries of history and spirituality, transcending the boundaries of time.

The monastery’s location, perched on a cliffside, added to its mystique and grandeur. The panoramic views from the upper monastery were simply breathtaking. It was as if I was suspended in mid-air, with the vast Montenegrin landscapes stretching out before me. It was a humbling reminder of the beauty and magnificence of the natural world.

The monks at Ostrog Monastery were welcoming and gracious, offering insights into the monastery’s history and significance. Their devotion to their spiritual path was evident in their words and actions, adding an extra layer of depth to my visit.

Overall, my visit to Ostrog Monastery was a deeply transformative experience. The combination of awe-inspiring natural beauty, architectural marvels, and spiritual significance made it a journey of the soul. Whether you’re a believer or simply seeking a place of profound tranquility, Ostrog Monastery is a place that will leave a lasting impression. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to this spiritual sanctuary...