Ostrog monastery, Orthodox monastery in Mount Ostrog, Montenegro.
Ostrog is an Orthodox monastery in Montenegro, set into natural caves of a limestone cliff about 900 meters (roughly 3000 feet) above sea level near Danilovgrad. Its two churches are built directly into the rock face and appear as part of the mountain itself.
Metropolitan Vasilije Jovanović founded this monastery in the 17th century when he withdrew to the mountains. It appears on a geographical map of Montenegro as early as 1640.
The two churches house 17th-century frescoes painted directly on the cave walls, depicting Orthodox religious scenes and sacred figures.
A winding road from Podgorica leads up to the monastery, or visitors can take a three-hour walk from the lower monastery. The path is steep and requires sturdy shoes.
The frescoes from the 17th century were painted directly onto the bare cave walls without plaster or preparation. Over 100,000 pilgrims visit the monastery each year to venerate the relics of Saint Basil.
Founders: Basil of Ostrog
Architectural style: Renaissance architecture
Website: http://manastirostrog.com
GPS coordinates: 42.67500,19.02917
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:23
European religious architecture spans over a thousand years, from the Middle Ages to the present day. This collection includes monasteries and buildings constructed in a variety of styles, from Romanesque to Gothic, Baroque to Rococo, and innovative modern designs still under development. Some are situated in notable locations: Mont-Saint-Michel rises on its rocky islet surrounded by tides, Meteora monasteries overlook the Thessalian plain from their sandstone pinnacles, while Kylemore Abbey reflects in the waters of Connemara. Many of these sites retain their original religious purpose. Monks still inhabit Sainte-Catherine in Sinai, Rila in Bulgaria, and Kylemore in Ireland. Others, like San Galgano in Tuscany, have lost their roofs and inhabitants but still bear witness to the scale of medieval constructions. Visitors can explore Wiblingen's baroque libraries, walk through the underground tunnels of Petchersk Lavra, or admire the royal tombs at Alcobaça Monastery. Each structure tells a part of the continent's religious and architectural history.
Montenegro features medieval fortified towns, Orthodox monasteries carved into rock, national parks with primeval forests and glacial lakes. The Adriatic coast holds bays, beaches, and historic islands, while the country's interior reveals deep canyons, mountain ranges, and traditional villages. The architectural heritage combines Venetian, Ottoman, and Orthodox religious influences.
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