Ostrog Monastery, Montenegro
Ostrog Monastery exterior
Saint Basil and the History of Ostrog
A harrowing drive along a narrow mountain road filled with hairpin turns and sheer drops leads you to this ancient site built into the cliff face of the Montenegran mountains. Ostrog Monastery is one of the holiest sites of the Serbian Orthodox faith and serves as the final resting place of Saint Basil of Ostrog, who founded the monastery in the 17th century. His body lies within a small painted cave set into the cliff walls of the upper monastery.
Saint Basil was born Vasilije Jovanović to a family of cattle herders in the mountains of Montenegro. He was sent to study with the church, where despite his humble beginnings, he rose to become a Bishop of the Eastern Orthodox faith. Vasilije was known as a spiritual leader for Yugoslav independence during the Turkish occupation, a time when his people faced great suffering. He went on to build a monastery in the remote mountains to give refuge to his flock from the advancing Ottoman Empire and became famous for the miracles he performed there. He was eventually declared a saint for his lifelong devotion to god and re-named Saint Basil of Ostrog. The miracles continued even after his death, and the monastery became famous for its ability to cure and heal the sick and infirmed.
The region has seen many conflicts over the centuries and the monastery has often been used as a place of refuge for those escaping persecution. Famously, during World War II, Ostrog became the final haven for the Chetniks, a guerrilla group of Serbian Nationalists fighting the communist-led Yugoslav army. A deal was made to spare their lives in return for their surrender, however, upon agreeing to the terms, they were betrayed by the army and killed on the monastery grounds.
Ostrog Monastery forecourt
Medical Miracles and the Healing Power of the Saint
Tales of healing the sick have been a common theme seen throughout history in all religions and faiths. Healing practices, from spiritual rituals to the use of medicines and procedures, have been a part of human societies since ancient times. In medieval Europe, monasteries served as important sites that offered both medical care and spiritual guidance to its people, often using combinations of herbal remedies, and prayer to treat all matters of illness.
Ostrog Monastery is no different, and is infact well known for the curative powers associated with the saint, the site, and its relics. According to the stories, Saint Basil of Ostrog was known as a healer, performing miracles such as growing plants instantly, making medicines grow where only dirt lay the day before, thus spreading the belief in the monasteries miraculous healing powers.
People began to come from far and wide to pray for the saint to cure them of their suffering. They often returned with souvenirs from the monastery, hoping the remedies would extend to their loved ones in need.
One of the most famous stories of Ostrog's restorative abilities came from recent times and involved an American Senator named William Bill Bar who was married to a Montenegran woman. The pair came to visit Ostrog in the 1980s following a recurrent dream he had of visiting a white chapel high up a mountain in a cliff, which his wife luckily recognised as Ostrog. The senator was plagued by chronic leg pain following a failed assassination attempt that left him with an amputated leg and chronic limb pain. His visit to the monastery not only cured him of pain but left him with a strong faith in God.
While faith healing is not something thought of as a viable treatment option in modern-day medicine, we don’t yet fully understand the close link between the brain and the body. The power of the mind can do miraculous things that are yet to be fully appreciated. Does it work? Will the monastery actually cure all ailments? Well, my nine-year-old claims his mouth ulcer was miraculously healed upon leaving the monastery. So whatever your beliefs, Ostrog is definitely worth a visit, if not for a cure, then to enjoy the beautiful and serene place high up in the mountains.
The winding road to Ostrog Monastery
Top Tips
All You Need to Know About Visiting Ostrog Monastery
Ostrog Monastery is located in the centre of Montenegro, in a rural, mountainous region. While it is possible to reach it using public transportation, it can be quite time-consuming and requires a long walk up the mountain. Renting a car is probably the best option for visiting the monastery if time is tight. Alternatively, you can join a group tour from major tourist towns along the coast.
There are three different parking options at the monastery, depending on how much you want to walk and how confident you are driving further up the winding, narrow road! The lot at the lower monastery involves a 45-minute walk up the mountain, while the upper lot is only about 10 minutes away. There is also parking just in front of the upper monastery which is reserved for those with small children or the mobility impaired. Toilets are on sight at the parking lots and outside the monastery, all free of charge.
There is a lovely stepped path that winds up the mountain through the forest that is used by pilgrims to reach the monastery, some of which can be seen doing the pilgrimage barefoot or even on their knees.
Visiting Ostrog is free of charge, though people make donations of food and money for the monks. There are baskets outside of the church cave where Saint Basil lies for this purpose. The monastery also has a gift shop for prayer candles and all sorts of memorabilia available for purchase.
Remember to ensure knees and shoulders are covered, this includes men and children. The man at the entrance will ask you to cover up and give you a long black sarong if needed for the visit. Some women cover their heads, but it is not mandatory.
There is a no photography rule once inside the actual church and cave areas, but photographs are permitted outside of this area.
It is possible to stay overnight at the Monastery as well. There are female and male dormitory rooms for approximately €5 per night, alternatively, families can sleep together in the courtyard where a mat and blanket are supplied for those braving the elements.
There is no food or drink available at the monastery to buy, though there is a water fountain to fill up bottles, so come prepared!
Ostrog is open every day, but hours may vary. It normally opens at 6am and closes anytime between 4pm (October - April) and 8pm (May - September).
Weekends, especially in the summer months, are reported to be quite busy, as well as Saint Basil’s Day which is celebrated every year on May 12th, so best stick to weekdays to avoid the crowds.