Montenegro
The best of Montenegro
Ostrog Monastery
Ostrog Monastery
4.8
(15.6k reviews)
About
Ostrog Monastery, Montenegro’s most important pilgrimage site, is dramatically situated in a cliff face 900 meters above the Zeta Valley. It is dedicated to St. Basil of Ostrog, a venerated saint known for his healing miracles
Insider Tips
Ostrog actually comprises 2 different buildings. The Upper Monastery is the most impressive part, constructed within two large caves. It includes the Church of the Holy Cross, which features 17th-century frescoes by Radul, and the remains of St. Basil of Ostrog (the visit is rather quick, usually around 20min). The Lower Monastery, located 2 km below, is home to the Holy Trinity Church and mostly serves as lodging for monks. From the lower part, you can reach the upper part either via a tough walk uphill or by car
The monastery is a very popular site and attracts up to a million visitors annually, many of whom are pilgrims seeking spiritual solace or miracles. It is recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds. Consider visiting on week days if possible as locals coming for pilgrimage on week-ends lead to even longer queues at the entrance
Did you know?
The monastery was founded in the mid-17th century by Vasilije Jovanović, known as St. Basil of Ostrog. He took monastic vows at Tvrdoš Monastery and later founded Ostrog Monastery, where he remained until his death in 1671