Ostrog cannot be called the oldest monastery in the world and even in Montenegro, but it can be called one of the most popular and famous. Orthodoxy pilgrims visit this place with almost the same regularity as the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem.
A bit of history
The history of the monastery begins in the 17th century, but then these were unknown hermits who wanted to live in solitude. The mountain is connected with Vasily Ostrozhsky, his work and life.
The life of this saint was closely intertwined with the monastery. Even as a child, Vasily was sent to this monastery to school, and after that the future saint took church vows and became a bishop.
It was at this time that the persecution of Turkish citizens against representatives of Orthodoxy became too strong, and Vasily tried to improve the situation - he turned to the Vatican, was engaged in the restoration of churches and monasteries, and also erected other buildings with his own money.
Oppression and persecution forced Vasily to go to live in caves, and this is how the monastery appeared, which became the spiritual center of Orthodoxy in Montenegro.
What now
Now Ostrog is a male monastery of Orthodoxy, on a par with Jerusalem. Ostrog, being a place of pilgrimage, is now known in other countries as well. Believers are sure that Basil's relics stored in Ostrog can heal.
Visit to the monastery
The monastery is made up of two halves - lower and upper, and between these parts there is a five-kilometer forest road. But there is also a short walking path, which takes 25 minutes to complete.
The upper monastery is almost completely embedded in the rock and is located about a kilometer above sea level. Today there is an ark with the relics of Basil, and pilgrims do not stop going to it. Moreover, the chain of tourists-pilgrims is constantly moving, and it will not be possible to stop or see the sights.
And at the end of the path, people write wishes on pieces of paper, after which they leave them in the cracks on the walls. Many people believe that wishes come true, so it was necessary to be careful in their formulation.
Near the entrance to the church there is a fountain with healing water that protects from hardships and troubles. Water is bottled in ordinary bottles, and it is given to everyone who wants it.
Information for tourists: opening hours, excursions, how to get there
The Ostrog Church is located in a mountain near Ostroshka Greda - about 10 kilometers from the highway connecting Niksic and Podgorica. From Podgorica or from Danilovgrad you have to drive 30 or 15 kilometers. You can also get to the monastery by bus or by car, but in the second case you need to remember that the path is mountainous, that is, winding and narrow.
You can also consult your guide, find the official website and timetables, and sign up for a tour. Guides and guides will tell interesting stories about the monastery, its history and life.
