In Montenegro, on the Adriatic coast of the Balkan Peninsula, there is a monastery that attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists not only the shrines stored in it, but also the extraordinary picturesqueness of its surrounding nature. It is called the Slavic word "prison", which in ancient times called various defensive fortifications. For centuries it has been the stronghold of Christian faith and piety in the lands that were so often subjected to invasions of the Gentiles.
The cloister among the mountains
Ostrog Monastery was founded in the middle of the XVII century by one of the most revered today in the Serbian Orthodox Church, St. Basil of Ostrog. And to this day, his imperishable relics rest in the monastery, and ancient books keep hundreds of records testifying to the miracles of healing that have been accomplished through the prayers of the saint. The image of the great ascetic can be seen in the monastery church, and in unique frescoes painted more than three centuries ago.
The Ostrog monastery includes two cloisters located at different heights, which is reflected in their names, respectively: the Gorny Monastery - the upper one, and Donius - the lower one. They were built at different times, but combined into a common complex. The upper monastery, more ancient, was founded in 1665, and six years later, the relics of its founder, St. Basil, rested in it. The central temple, consecrated in honor of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross of the Lord, is not the most ancient, even before it another was built, dedicated to the Introduction of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There is reason to believe that its laying preceded the appearance of the founder of the monastery in this mountainous region.
Holiday in the mountain cloister
Memorial Day of St. Basil of Ostrog is May 12 - the date of his blessed assumption, which happened in 1671. Every year, thousands of pilgrims come here from all over the Christian world to honor his name and offer prayers near the crayfish with relics. This famous Ostrog monastery opens its doors to everyone. The reviews of those who made the pilgrimage serve as a convincing recommendation for those who only plan it.
In 1820, the lower monastery was founded. Its foundation is connected with the names of two prominent figures of the Serbian Orthodox Church - Archimandrite Joseph Pavichevich and St. Peter Cytinsky, who was then the Montenegrin Metropolitan. This monastery is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, in whose honor the throne of its central temple is consecrated.
Later part of the complex
Above it, on a hill, is the church of the Holy Martyr Stank, erected in 2004 and is the latest construction of the entire monastery complex. This saint of God became famous for being executed by the Turks in 1712 for refusing to convert to Islam. His imperishable right hand is kept in a church recently built in his honor. Twenty-seven defenders of the monastery are also buried here, who in 1943 blocked the path of the communists, who were trying to capture the monastery. Their memory is sacred to the inhabitants of Serbia.
Everyone who visits the Ostrog Monastery will be interested in exploring the ancient ruins located near the bottom of the complex, next to the old monastery cemetery. This is all that remains of the church of St. George built here in the 13th century. Over the centuries, it repeatedly survived the Turkish invasions and was destroyed, but each time it was restored, and divine services resumed in it. Only after the Muslim invasion in 1895 was it not rebuilt, and only moss-covered stones remind of the former shrine today.
The path to the holy monastery
Often, for those who wish to make a pilgrimage, the question arises: how to get to the Ostrog monastery? Of course, if you use the services of some travel company (and there are many of them), then there will be no problems. For those who intend to travel by their own transport, we note that the Ostrog monastery is located in the area between the cities of Danilovgrad and Niksic. Before you go, be sure to stock up on a car card.
If you follow from the direction of Danilovgrad, then, having traveled about 15-20 km, you can see it on the right side of the road. Turning to it is indicated by a road sign. True, you will have to navigate further, relying mainly on your own intuition and common sense, since at the subsequent forks only an abundance of shopping pavilions and souvenir stalls will indicate the right direction of the path.
Features of the route leading to the cloister
The road leading directly to the monastery presents the same difficulties as any mountain road, and, moving along it, it is necessary to observe the whole complex of security measures. It is unnecessary to dwell on them in the article, since each driver, who passed the exam for the right to drive a car in due time, should, rummaging in his memory, remember them. By the way, local tradition claims that Vasily Ostrozhsky himself patronizes all those traveling on this road. Maybe that's why accidents rarely happen here.
And also useful information for those wishing to visit the Ostrog monastery in Montenegro. The reviews of many who have been here provide practical advice to those who have yet to travel, and among them the rise from the lower monastery to the upper is especially often mentioned. This path can be done by car, and its length will be five kilometers.
Additional Information for Pilgrims
But for those who wish, a walking route is also provided along a path that rises steeply uphill. Those who prefer it, it is strongly recommended to stock up on water and, without overestimating their strength, arrange rests on the way as often as possible. Otherwise, the treacherous mountain trail and the sun can play a trick on the newcomer, ruining the impression of the whole trip.
When the goal of the ascent is reached and the pilgrims find themselves in the cave of the upper monastery, where the relics of St. Basil of Ostrog are stored, they must always bear in mind that they are followed by a huge number of other pilgrims, the turn of which presses outside. You need to prepare for this in advance and, once in the cave, quickly whisper your requests addressed to the saint, put a note listing them and, adhering to the cancer, give way to others.
In conclusion, we wish good luck to everyone who has scheduled a pilgrimage to the Ostrog monastery in Montenegro. How to get here and how to avoid the inconvenience associated with the features of the mountain landscape was described in this article. We hope you find the information helpful.