Ostrog Monastery: the back story

About Ostrog Monastery: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Podgorica Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

An hour north-west of Podgorica, high on the cliff of Ostroška greda above the Bjelopavlići plain, a white monastery seems to grow out of the rock. Ostrog is the most visited place of pilgrimage in Montenegro, welcoming believers of every faith.

St Basil of Ostrog

The monastery was founded in the 17th century by Vasilije, Basil, Bishop of Herzegovina, who lived and died here in 1671. His relics rest in the upper monastery, and pilgrims come from across the Balkans, Orthodox, Catholic and Muslim alike.

The upper monastery

The upper monastery is built into the rock face at about 900 metres. Its two small cave churches, of the Presentation of the Virgin and of the Holy Cross, are decorated with frescoes painted directly onto the stone.

From the plain far below, the upper monastery of Ostrog looks like a white wall painted onto the cliff.

The lower monastery

About three kilometres below, the lower monastery of the 19th century has the Church of the Holy Trinity and guest quarters for pilgrims. Many pilgrims walk the path between the two.

Our advice: dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees; women may be asked to cover their hair or wear a skirt, and wraps are available), come early to avoid the queues, especially at weekends and on feast days, and be patient on the narrow road up. The views over the plain are a reward in themselves.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Ostrog Monastery: the back story before you go.