Most monasteries in Montenegro belong to the Serbian Orthodox Church. Nowadays, they are working, preserving their communities of monks. Additionally, they continue to play an active role in the everyday lives of people. Many local families come to the nearby monastery or church on Sundays.
The short note about the tourist dress code when visiting any monastery in Montenegro: there is no strict dress code, but usually you are expected to have your shoulders and knees covered (for men and women both). At the entrance to the monastery, you may be offered a large scarf to cover something if necessary. Covering your head is not mandatory for women (unlike Russian Orthodox churches or monasteries, for example).
Monasteries often have a great historical and cultural value in this region. The most famous of them is Ostrog Monastery.
Ostrog Monastery, near Danilovgrad
Ostrog Monastery, dedicated to St. Basil of Ostrog (Sveti Vasilije Ostroški), is the most popular pilgrimage place in Montenegro. The monastery is located between Podgorica and Nikšić, near Danilovgrad.
The monastery was founded in the early 17th century by Vasilije Jovanović (now known as St. Basil of Ostrog). Vasilije died there in 1671, and later he was glorified.
The monastery of Ostrog is one of the most frequently visited places in the Balkan region. Especially, a lot of pilgrims come here on May 12, which is the day of St. Basil of Ostrog.
The monastery consists of two parts: Upper Monastery and Lower Monastery. The Upper Monastery provides one of the most iconic views in Montenegro, located directly in the rock of Ostroška Greda.
Here, the Church of the Presentation and the Church of the Holy Cross are situated. In the Church of the Presentation, you can see Saint Basil of Ostrog’s relics.
Lower Monastery consists of the Church of the Holy Trinity (1824), monk residences, and rooms for pilgrims.
Traditionally, pilgrims go the last 3 km from Lower Monastery to Upper Monastery barefoot.
Cetinje Monastery
Cetinje Monastery is the seat of the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and one of the main attractions in Cetinje. It was founded by Prince Ivan Crnojević of Zeta in 1484. Later, it was rebuilt in the 18th century.
The monastery keeps several important relics, including the remains of St. Peter of Cetinje, the right hand of John the Baptist, and particles of the True Cross.
Cetinje Monastery has a large green territory, where you can have a walk.
Podmaine Monastery, Budva
Podmaine Monastery in Budva (within walking distance from the Old Town, 20-30 mins) was built in the 15th century by the Crnojević family. Several important pages of Montenegrin history are closely related to this monastery. For example, Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, the most famous Montenegrin Vladika, poet and philosopher, wrote parts of his masterpiece The Mountain Wreath in this monastery.
Several times during its history, the monastery was destroyed or burnt, and in 2002, it was significantly restored, including the frescoes.
Surprisingly, this monastery is quite active in social networks and internet. You can look at their activity on the site (Serbian language is available only, but you can use Google Translate or a similar service):
Манастир Подмаине – Cрпска Православна Црква – Mитрополија Црногорско-Приморска
They have a YouTube channel and a Facebook page as well.
Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery, Berane
Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery is, probably, the main attraction for visitors in Berane, a town in the northern region of Montenegro. This 13th-century monastery is a significant religious and historical site in the area. It is dedicated to St. George and its name means “Pillars of St. George”.
Historically, the monastery has played a crucial role in preserving Christianity in its region. Being burned and rebuilt several times, it still retains most of its authentic architectural character. Nowadays, you can see one of the oldest frescoes in Montenegro inside the monastery.
Piva Monastery, near Plužine
Piva Monastery has a fascinating and unusual history. It is located very close to Plužine (only 7 km) and not far from Durmitor National Park. Initially built in the 16th century, the monastery is the largest Serbian Orthodox church built during the Ottoman rule in 16-17 centuries. However, this was only the beginning of its vibrant history, which was to receive another unexpected chapter in the 20th century.
The monastery was originally located at the source of the Piva River. The construction of a hydroelectric plant, Mratinje Dam, in the second half of the 20th century, required moving the monastery to its current position. Over 1000 original fresco fragments were moved to the current building, and you can see them during your visit. Also, the monastery collection includes precious old books, for example, the first books printed in the Balkan region.
Reževići Monastery, near Petrovac
Reževići Monastery is located in the Budva region, near the small town of Petrovac. The history of the monastery dates back to the 13th century, when the first King of Serbia, Stefan Nemanjić, built the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God. Later, the monastery was a gathering place for the members of the Paštrovići tribe. Some of the frescoes of 17-18 centuries have been preserved in the monastery.
Nowadays, it is a peaceful little monastery in a very picturesque location, which is definitely worth your visit. Near the monastery, there is a viewpoint offering a great view of the Adriatic Sea.