Carved into the sheer rock face of Ostroska Greda the stunning Ostrog Monastery stands in resplendent splendour looking down upon the plains of Bjelopavalic below, and the valley of the Zeta River. As one looks up towards the stunning white building it seems impossible that it could ever have been constructed on such a sheer cliff face, but in actuality the monastery is built into a cave on the mountain side. The Monastery of Ostrog is the most renowned pilgrimage site in the Balkans, and draws pilgrims from all over the world to Montenegro.
The Monastery was founded in the seventeenth century by Svelti Vasilijie, better known as St Basil. The building began with two churches which were built into a cave and now stand as Gornji Monastery, the upper level, and the lower level is known as Donji Ostrog. Pilgrims walk barefoot from the lower to upper monastery, many on their knees. Svelti Vasilijie used his own funds to finance the building and then spent many years in prayer and fast there. He was revered as ‘the miracle maker’ for his ability to bring about cures to the sick, and when he died in 1671 his body was enshrined at the monastery.
The Monastery is of great historical importance as it played a part in the defence of Montenegro against the Ottoman Empire. Montenegrin warriors locked themselves in the monastery and fought off the Turks for 9 days, and in 1877 a great battle was fought against the Turks in front of the Ostrog cliffs, resulting in the defeat of the Turks. Frescoes added in the seventeenth century still adorn the walls of the Church of the Presentation where St. Basil lies, whilst more modern frescoes are seen in the Church Devoted to the Holy Cross.
Visitors to Montenegro are now welcomed day and night to the Monastery and can even stay overnight in the most basic of accommodation which offers a bed, a pillow and a blanket. Pilgrims who arrive represent three main religions of Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Islam. It is customary to leave small gifts when visiting the monastery, such as soap and towels, and in return visitors leave with bottles of oil, Holy water and icons. The Upper Monastery houses a well of Holy water which is said to protect those who take it.
Pilgrims may kneel beside the enshrined body of St. Basil and pray. Many miracles have been reported over the years as pilgrims have been healed after visiting the Monastery. Whether visiting as a pilgrim or a traveller, the Monastery of Ostrog is a must for anyone visiting the small European nation of Montenegro. It can be reached independently or as part of an arranged tour and is a must for the curious traveller.