Ostrog Monastery: A Journey to Montenegro’s Sacred Heart

Ostrog Monastery

I spent a long time thinking about how to begin a text about Ostrog Monastery — probably the holiest place in this part of the world.
But as people here like to say: You don’t just go to Ostrog. You’re invited.
And you’ll know when the time is right.
So if these words have somehow found their way to you, consider them a sign — maybe just a small letter on your personal invitation.

Visiting Ostrog Monastery: Where It Is and How to Get There

Ostrog Monastery is located in Montenegro, nestled high in the vertical rock face of the Ostrog ridge, roughly 900 meters above sea level, between the cities of Nikšić and Podgorica.
The road to the monastery winds through hairpin turns and dense pine forests, with the last stretch often traveled on foot — a symbolic act of pilgrimage for many. The closest major city is Nikšić, about 15 kilometers away.
For those arriving by car, there are two parking areas — one near the Lower Monastery and a smaller one near the Upper Monastery. Organized group tours also run from coastal Montenegrin cities like Budva, Kotor.

Ostrog Monastery: Upper and Lower Monasteries Explained

Ostrog consists of two parts: the Lower and the Upper Monastery.
The Lower Monastery, built in the 19th century, houses the Church of the Holy Trinity. It is home to monks and serves as the monastery’s administrative center. This peaceful place is ideal for those who wish to pray quietly or speak with the clergy.
The Upper Monastery, perched high in the rock, is a marvel of spiritual and architectural skill. Constructed in the 17th century, it is the resting place of the relics of Saint Basil of Ostrog. Within its complex are two small churches — the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin and the Holy Cross — with frescoes partially painted directly onto the rock walls.

Who was Saint Basil of Ostrog?

Saint Basil, born Stojan Jovanović around 1610 in the village of Mrkonjići in Herzegovina, showed deep faith and spiritual insight from a young age. He became a monk at the Tvrdoš Monastery, where he quickly gained a reputation for wisdom, strict asceticism, and devotion. Later, he was appointed Metropolitan of Zahumlje and Herzegovina.
Due to Turkish attacks and persecution of the Christian population, Basil sought refuge and a spiritual stronghold in Montenegro, where he restored and expanded Ostrog Monastery. He spent his final years there in fasting, prayer, and helping people of all faiths and backgrounds. He died in 1671, and his relics — believed to be incorruptible — are preserved in the Upper Monastery.
Saint Basil is believed to aid the sick, the suffering, and those who come with sincere hearts. Due to numerous healings and miracles attributed to him, people considered him a saint even during his lifetime, and the Serbian Orthodox Church officially canonized him as Saint Basil of Ostrog the Miracle Worker.

How did Saint Basil become a saint?

After Saint Basil passed away in 1671 in his cell within the Upper Monastery, his body is said to have shone with heavenly light at the moment of death. The monastery brotherhood buried him in the rock beneath the Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin. From that very rock — where there was no soil — a grapevine soon sprouted, which has been seen as a sign of divine grace. That vine still bears fruit today.
Seven years later, Basil appeared in a dream to the abbot of the Monastery of Saint Luke from the Nikšić region — monk Rafailo Kosijerevac. In this dream, the saint called him three times to come to Ostrog and open his tomb. To prove the dream was real, Basil touched the monk with the smoke from his censer — a mark that was visible on Rafailo’s face when he awoke.
Together with monks from both monasteries, Abbot Rafailo opened the tomb after days of fasting, prayer, and liturgy. Inside, they found the incorrupt body of the saint, yellow like wax and fragrant like basil — one of the strongest signs of sainthood in Orthodox belief. His body was carefully placed in a wooden reliquary and laid in the church, where it remains to this day. Opposite the church entrance, the oldest fresco depicting Saint Basil was soon painted.

Miracles of Saint Basil — a brief overview

Ostrog Monastery, one of the greatest Orthodox sanctuaries, is famous for numerous miraculous healings attributed to the prayers of Saint Basil of Ostrog. Monks have recorded more than a hundred such cases — some documented in writing, others passed down orally.
Among the most striking miracles:

An unexploded grenade during the 1942 bombing struck the chapel but did not detonate, seen as a miracle and divine protection.
Healing of a paralyzed man from Nikšić who, though an atheist, came to Ostrog after a dream of Saint Basil and was cured after prayer.
A man from Pljevlja with a stomach ulcer was healed after a dream revealing Saint Basil’s home and a visit to the monastery.
Recovery of a sick woman carried into the monastery by hand, who woke healthy after praying at the saint’s reliquary.
Healing from severe nervous disorder of a young woman near Bar after spending a night in the monastery.
Restoration of speech to a young man who had lost it due to illness after prayer in Ostrog.
Healing of a mentally ill man named Radivoje from Sarajevo, declared insane, who returned healthy, married, and resumed a normal life.
A highly educated man from Belgrade recovered from a severe illness after his friend prayed for him in Ostrog.
Miracles through objects — many patients who cannot come in person receive help when their clothes or food are placed under the saint’s reliquary with prayer. One case involved a boy with severe headaches who was cured after eating blessed sugar.
A drunkard reformed after a dream in which Saint Basil told him to change his life — he brought a promise to the monastery and never drank again.
A Muslim woman named Fatima, suffering from neurological spasms for five years, felt complete peace and healing after a difficult struggle to enter the monastery and pray.
The future Bishop Barnabas was healed as a child from severe scarlet fever after his mother gave him water blessed at Ostrog.
A young man with childhood paralysis left his crutches and began walking independently after prayer at the saint’s reliquary.
A mentally ill girl, brought in bound, was healed at the monastery entrance.
An elderly man named Petar, who visits Ostrog every year, testifies that Saint Basil healed him from severe bodily stiffness 50 years ago.

These testimonies speak of deep faith, prayer, and God’s mercy through Saint Basil. Regardless of one’s faith or origin, people come to Ostrog seeking healing, hope, and spiritual peace — and often find it in ways beyond reason.

Source: vasilijeostroski.com – Miracles of Saint Basil (published February 6, 2020)

Ostrog Monastery – A Place of Prayer, Hope, and Miracles

What makes Ostrog special is not only its architecture but the energy people feel when they step within its white walls. Miracles happen here — healings, spiritual purification, inner peace. Some come to give thanks, others to pray, and some to find answers. And all, in some way, leave differently than they came.
The monastery draws believers from all over the world — Orthodox, Catholics, Muslims, and even atheists. People of all faiths come with their prayers, petitions, and gratitude. No one is turned away — the doors are open to anyone who comes with a sincere heart.

Sleeping under the stars

One of Ostrog’s unique customs is that many pilgrims, especially those who come on foot, choose to spend the night outside the monastery — under the open sky, often with just a blanket and pillow. It’s not just a practice; it’s part of the experience. Spending the night in front of the sanctuary, among strangers breathing the same rhythm of prayer and silence — it’s unforgettable.
For those who want more comfort, the Lower Monastery offers basic accommodation. Reservations are not accepted — spaces are given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visiting Ostrog Monastery – Practical Information for Travelers

Entrance: The monastery is open year-round, but the greatest number of pilgrims arrive in May, on the feast day of Saint Basil (May 12).
Clothing: Modest, covered clothing is recommended (long pants/skirts, shoulders covered).
Photography: Not allowed inside the Upper Monastery.
Gifts: Candles, icons, and prayer beads can be purchased at a small shop near the Lower Monastery.
Transport: The road to the Upper Monastery is narrow and winding. For those who prefer not to drive, minibuses run between the Lower and Upper Monasteries.

Ostrog Monastery is not just a place to visit — it’s a place to experience. Whether you come seeking, giving thanks, praying, or simply sitting in silence, it will leave a mark on you. You may not immediately know what kind of mark, but you’ll carry it with you — a quiet reminder that you were somewhere where heaven and earth meet halfway.

About the Author:

The author spent several years living and working in Montenegro, immersing themselves in the local culture and lifestyle. Drawing on this deep connection and firsthand experience, the articles aim to bring authentic insights and practical tips to travelers exploring places like Rafailovići, Bečići, and other Montenegrin gems.

Written with warmth and respect, the content reflects a genuine appreciation for Montenegro’s unique spirit — no stereotypes, just real stories from someone who truly knows the country.