The monastery of Ostrog is a monastery of the Serbian Orthodox Church situated against an almost vertical background, high up in the large rock of Ostroška Greda, in Montenegro. It is dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog (Sveti Vasilije Ostroški), who was buried here. From the monastery, a superb view of the Bjelopavlići plain can be seen. The monastery is located 50 kilometer from Podgorica and 15 kilometer from Nikšić. Ostrog monastery is the most popular pilgrimage place in Montenegro.
History
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.
Architecture
Upper Monastery
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.
Lower Monastery
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.
Traditions
It is traditional for pilgrims to walk the 3 kilometer from the lower monastery to the upper monastery barefoot. Before entering the Church of the Presentation to pray before Saint Basil of Ostrog, pilgrims make a donation of clothing, blankets or consumables like soap for the monks. The monastery celebrates its feast day on 12th May every year. St Basil died on 29th April in the Orthodox calendar which equates to 12th May in the Gregorian calendar.
Accommodation in the vicinity of the monastery
Ostrog Monastery as the largest pilgrimage site in Montenegro offers those who wish to experience it as a pilgrimage the opportunity to spend the night in the monastery. Hundreds of bunk beds are available for an overnight stay. In the summer, these can quickly become occupied, but then there is still the possibility to spend the night in the central square of the monastery, looking out over the rock wall that reaches to the starry sky. This is only possible during the warmer periods, and the sleeping mats and blankets are supplied by the monastery staff. For those looking for more comfort one is dependent on the nearest cities of Danilovgrad and Nikšić or one of the accommodations in the nearby villages.
Best hotel in the vicinity of the Ostrog monastery
- Hotel Sokoline – Hotel Sokoline is located in Orašje and offers panoramic views of the surroundings and the mountains. The property is fully equipped with free Wi-Fi and has a sun terrace. During your stay you can get acquainted with national dishes in the restaurant. Free private parking is available. A flat-screen TV is provided in all rooms, and some rooms include a seating area. Some rooms offer views of the river or garden. All rooms have a private bathroom with free toiletries and bathrobes. There is a gift shop at the property and a 24-hour front desk is available. Activities in the surrounding area include cycling and hiking. Ostrog Monastery is 4 km away, Danilovgrad is 16 km and Nikšić is 22 km from Hotel Sokoline. The nearest airport is Podgorica Airport, 37 km from the property.
- Location : Orašje, 4 kilometers from the monastery.
- Facilities : Free Wi-Fi, Free parking, Accessible parking, Mountain view, Terrace, Garden, Balcony, Outdoor furniture, On-site coffee house, Restaurant (à la carte), Snack bar, Mini-bar, Bar, Breakfast in the room, Private check-in / check-out Check-out, Luggage storage, Tour desk, 24-hour front desk, Shoe shine (surcharge), Laundry (surcharge), Ironing service (surcharge), Safety deposit box, Airport shuttle (surcharge), Electric vehicle charging station.
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