Ostrog Monastery, Bjelopavlići, Montenegro

The Monastery of Ostrog is a monastery of the Serbian Orthodox Church sitatued against an almost vertical background, high up in the large rock of Ostroška Greda. It is dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog, who was buried here. Ostrog monastery is the most popular pilgrimage place in Montenegro.

The Monastery was founded by Vasilije, the Metropolitan Bishop of Herzegovina in the 17th century. He died there in 1671 and some years later he was glorified. His body is enshrined in a reliquary kept in the cave-church dedicated to the Presentation of the Mother of God to the Temple.

The present-day look was given to the Monastery in 1923-1926, after a fire which had destroyed the major part of the complex. Fortunately, the two little cave-churches were spared and they are the key areas of the monument. The frescoes in the Church of the Presentation were created towards the end of the 17th century. The other church, dedicated to the Holy Cross, is placed within a cave on the upper level of the monastery and was painted by master Radul, who successfully coped with the natural shapes of the cave and laid the frescoes immediately on the surface of the rock and the south wall. Around the church are the monastic residences, which together with the church building and the scenery make this monument outstandingly beautiful.

The Orthodox monastery of Ostrog is one of the most frequently visited on the Balkans. It attracts over 100,000 visitors a year. It is visited by believers from all parts of the world, either individually or in groups. It represents the meeting place of all confessions: the Orthodox, the Catholics and the Muslims. According to the stories of pilgrims, by praying by his body, many have been cured and helped in lessening the difficulties in their lives.

The upper monastery houses the Church of the Presentation and the Church of the Holy Cross. Saint Basil of Ostrog's relics lie in the Church of the Presentation. Also of interest is the vine which grows out of the rock. It's said that it's a miracle because nothing should be able to grow out of the sheer rock face.

The lower monastery centers around the Church of the Holy Trinity that was built in 1824. It also makes up most of the monk residences. There are dorm rooms available for pilgrims here too.

It is traditional for pilgrims to walk the 3km from the lower monastery to the upper monastery barefoot.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Ola Knopek (3 years ago)
Definitely worth visiting when you’re in Montenegro - whether you’re religious or not! The building is gorgeous, and the views are amazing. It wasn’t as busy as most of the touristy places during the summer (we went in August). We took a train from Podgorica to Ostrog, and then did the hike up the mountain. We were surprised that not that many people chose this option (we only met 1 person on the way), but it’s a 1,5-2h hike so fair enough. Worth doing it for the views ?

Skaiste Norvilaite (3 years ago)
It is beautiful and extraordinary place to visit. It is really small, so I believe one hour is enough to walk through everything. We came here by bus which took us to the top of the mountain, but if you are walking the bring some water and energy because it is pretty high?

Martin Karu (3 years ago)
It was a nice visit and opportunity to learn more about Montenegro and its culture but from just a tourist viewpoint it was not worth the hassle to get there - if you look for amazing views, there are better places to visit - it is difficult to get there. Families or disabled people can reach the top by car, others must park their car a bit lower and climb some stairs (quite a few). As those steps are really really slippery, wear proper shoes! There are railings by the stairs which help a lot.

Shoe Princess (3 years ago)
Absolutely mind-blowing place and the drive up to it is extremely exciting (and sickness inducing for some). If you put up with the twists and turns of Amalfi Coast, you are trained and you could give it a go ?? The church is minuscule and the priest is a very gifted one, let me tell you... he's seeing things other can't. The views from top balcony are breathtaking. It is a very special place, do not miss it.

Happy Ox (3 years ago)
Getting to the top of the mountain where the monastery is located is a challenge whether by car or by foot. The amount of tourists visiting in April was not too bad. We didn’t have to wait very long to visit St. Basils reliquary or the remaining temples carved into the caves. If you are in the area it is a beautiful day trip.

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