Ostrog Monastery - a journey to the heart of the spirituality of Montenegro

If you are on a tourist tour of Montenegro, a place you should not miss is the Ostrog Monastery. Perched high in the rock of the Ostroška Greda mountain, this magnificent monastery seems to float between heaven and earth. Ostrog is one of the largest Orthodox sanctuaries in the Balkans and the largest in Montenegro, but its appeal goes beyond religious boundaries – it is visited by people of all faiths, seeking peace, healing and a special experience that will be remembered for a long time. Regardless of your faith, a visit to Ostrog leaves an impression that cannot be described in words – the combination of nature, spirituality and human creativity is at its peak here.

Ostrog Monastery was made a spiritual beacon by Metropolitan of Zahumlje-Herzegovina Vasilije Jovanović, later known as Saint Basil of Ostrog, who settled in this holy place around the middle of the 17th century. Saint Basil died in Ostrog on May 12, 1671 according to the Gregorian calendar, or April 29 according to the Julian calendar. Just seven years later, the date of his death – May 12 – becomes a day of prayer and remembrance, beginning an intense spiritual cult based on the miracles attributed to his relics.

When the Turks under the leadership of Numan Pasha Ćuprilić attacked Montenegro in 1714, the monks removed the relics of Saint Basil from the monastery and buried them near the Zeta River, in a mysterious place at the foot of Ostrog. The place was guarded by the swollen river for years, but, miraculously, the remains remained intact - after a year, the monks found them and returned them to the monastery, which many interpret as a sign of Saint Basil. Organized pilgrimages to Ostrog began precisely from that event, the faithful gathered in precisely determined directions, in order to make a journey that fills both the soul and the heart. At that time, congregational gatherings in the monastery became established. The relics had to be removed due to threats and dangers in the 19th and 20th centuries - in 1852 and 1877 they were hidden due to conflicts with the Turks, and again in 1942, during the Italian occupation of Montenegro. However, each return of the relics to Ostrog was a moment of renewal and confirmation of the faith of those gathered.

For many, Ostrog Monastery is also a tourist attraction - an architectural wonder carved into the rock, which at first glance seems to defy the laws of nature. The white walls offer a magnificent view of the Zeta valley, while beautiful mosaics and vivid frescoes bring color and warmth to the stone environment. Every corner of the monastery exudes the power of history and art, so a visit to Ostrog is not only a spiritual, but also an aesthetic experience that is remembered long after your return.

Ostrog Monastery consists of the Upper and Lower monasteries. The Upper monastery is located at 900 meters above sea level, leaning against a steep cliff and tucked into the rock. It consists of two cave churches: the lower one, dedicated to the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the upper one, dedicated to the Holy Cross. The relics of Saint Basil of Ostrog rest in peace in the lower church. The lower monastery was built on the site of the former village of Kosjeradici, at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level.

In short, Ostrog is a place of eternal charm and deep spirituality, equally captivating for pilgrims and ordinary visitors.

Today, it is estimated that around a million tourists and pilgrims from all over the world visit Ostrog Monastery annually. This incredible number testifies to its spiritual significance, but also to the unique place it occupies on the tourist map of Montenegro and the Balkans.

If you ever find yourself in Montenegro, take a beautiful, winding drive through the mountain roads and begin your own little pilgrimage. Come with an open heart and mind, and perhaps you will take a piece of its silence and tranquility with you from this place.

We can fully organize your trip through our travel agency - Carina DMC - which offers a variety of arrangements and excursions throughout Montenegro, including a visit to the Ostrog Monastery, with the possibility of private tours, guides and additional activities tailored to your wishes.