Ostrog Monastery (17th century), located high above the northwestern side of the Bjelopavlić plain, on one vertical rock in a cliff face 900 meters above the Zeta valley. It was named after the name of the hill that overwhelms it, and this gleaming white monastery is the most important site in Montenegro for Orthodox Christians. Although some of the former monks began the foundations of this monastery, its true founder is St. Basil of Ostrog (St. Vasilije Ostroški).
Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro and its administrative, educational, cultural, and economic centre. Historic and cultural monuments in and around Podgorica are Stara Varos with Clock Tower (Sahat-Kula) from the 17th-century, Doganska Mosque from the 15th-century, St. George church from the 11th-century, King Nikola’s Castle from the 19th-century, the ruins of Nemanjica Grad, remnants of the city of Doclea, Vezirov bridge…
Podgorica – at agreed place (Google Map)
According to the itinerary
This day you will spend visiting the monastery Ostrog, a pearl of Montenegrin spiritualism that is annually visited by more than a hundred thousand pilgrims from around the world and of all religions. It is one of the three most-visited Christian destinations on the planet with its cave-like chapel and monastery complex that preserves the relics of Saint Basil of Ostrog. All of Montenegrin spiritualism, belief, and cultural treasures found their home high up in the Ostrog cliffs. You will be amazed by the place itself, landscapes, architecture, but also the astonishing stories about the life of St. Basil and the miracles that happen to people who visit the monastery.
After spending time in an unusual and captivating environment, we drive back to Podgorica. Here we will have a relaxing walking tour through the city as well as in the old part of the city called “Stara Varoš”.
Tour highlights:
• We’ll meet about 5 minutes before the departing time of the mentioned Ostrog Monastery tour in the centre of Podgorica at the agreed place.
• The tour starts from Podgorica at eight-thirty in the morning. We drive through Podgorica, a city of great importance situated at the biggest flat ground area of Montenegro, as a part of spacious Zeta valley towards Nikšić and the Ostrog Monastery in northwestern Montenegro.
• During the journey we have a fantastic view of Zeta valley and Podgorica. Along the way we make a few short stops to enjoy the spectacular scenery, as a short photo break.
• After a ride from the “crossroad” in Bogetići from Podgorica – Nikšić road, about 8 km and about 15 minutes driving, we arrive at Ostrog monastery and park at the lower monastery / Holy Trinity Church (Crkva Sv Trojice, 1824), the starting point for a sightseeing tour. Ostroške grede (Ostrog beams) extend between Danilovgrad and Nikšić, in the form of a rocky array with several peaks, which do not exceed the whole area of the beams.
• Before starting our sightseeing tour, we will visit this very perfect sanctuary, The Ostrog Monastery. In The Lower Monastery/Holy Trinity Church (Crkva Sv Trojice, 1824), there can admire the vivid frescoes. Behind it is a natural spring where you can fill your bottles with cold water, as well as toilet needs if necessary. Please, read in your itinerary tips/advice on important information about behaviour in a religious object in the “Tips / Advice” section.
• From the Holy Trinity Church, the faithful, some of them barefoot, plod up the steep road to the top. Halfway up, the beautiful stone walls of the little-domed Church of St. Stanko the Martyr (Crkva Sv Mučenika Stanka) gleam golden in the sunset.
• After a short break, and that we have visited the Holy Trinity Church, from parking by the Lower Monastery, we continue our sightseeing tour on foot and follow a lovely path through the woods (for about a 2,4 km walk uphill and 35 minutes) to the Upper Monastery.
• When you arrive at the Upper monastery were the relics of St. Vasilije are first to be visited. Since you approach the monastery an old monk will tell you about the miracles performed by the Saint in this place.
• We take a walk to upper parking with breathtaking experience with the views of the Zeta Valley from this amazing place at the vertical rock 900 meters above the Bjelopavlić plain.
• From the upper parking next to the Upper Monastery of Ostrog, we drive back towards Podgorica through village Bogetići (400 meters from Podgorica – Nikšić road). We drive along the winding road from mountain Ostrog, and it is 8 km from here down to the Bogetići village. During the ride, we have a fantastic view of Ostrog Monastery and the environment around the spaces.
• Our journey to Podgorica from the village Bogetići takes about 30 minutes with very spectacular views of extensive Bjelopavačke Plain at the foot of the Ostrog hill as well the Zeta valley, Podgorica and surrounding area. Arrive at Podgorica at about 12:30.
• After a very short break, we will start from the bridge Skaline, which the oldest bridge in the city, located at the mouth of the Ribnica in Morača, and according to historical facts it was built during Roman rule. A walk continues through the Stara Varos, the core of Podgorica in the period of Ottoman rule (1474–1879) in urban and architectural forms of the city, customs, way of life, and oriental characteristics. The most beautiful example of architecture left over from the Turkish period is the Clock Tower, which still dominates the area of Stara Varoš.
• Around 13:30, time for an amazing lunch, planned in the national restaurant “Pod Volat”, which offers delicious food with specialities of the domestic cuisine. Try delicious homemade food typical of this area. A vegetarian option is available, please advise at the time of booking if required.
• Niagara falls in Podgorica (Niagara Falls is located just 4 kilometres from the centre of Podgorica. The canyon of the river Cijevna, where the waterfalls are located, is one of the most beautiful in Montenegro due to its specific narrow passages, small crossings and sharp rocks. It is one of the favourite and most visited places in Podgorica.)
• The most beautiful park in Podgorica with King Nikola’s palace (The residence of Nikola I Petrović Njegoš was built in 1891. The palace is located in Podgorica, in the middle of the city park Kruševac (Petrović Park) on the banks of the Moraca River. In the past, King Nikola’s palace was the official winter residence of the last king of Montenegro, and now it is the most prestigious art gallery in the capital of the country).
• End of the day tour.
Arrival at to the same place from where we started the day tour or by agreement.
• We hope you had an unforgettable experience and you are welcome again.
Doviđenja! Goodbye!
