Ostrog Monastery Montenegro

Ostrog Monastery Montenegro


Another early morning and we are on the move again, this time driving south through Bosnia and into the neighbouring country of Montenegro. We took three buses each smaller than the last and went through really high mountains, many tunnels and very narrow roads. This scenery was even more stunning then yesterday. Through the countryside runs a beautiful turquoise blue river that is a world class rafting river, the only houses we saw for miles were little rafting cabins along the river.




The river running through the mountains



Going through one tunnel and then through more.These were all cut though the mountains at very high angles.

Another view of the river with a row of rafting cabins.Excuse the quality of these pics as they were taken from the bus window on a rainy day

Our destination was Ostrog Monastery which is the most famous religious shrine in the country and the third most famous in the world for Muslims, Catholics and Orthodox religions.It is situated high in the mountains in a very rural area of the country and is visited by millions of people because of the miracles performed here. People come from far and wide to seek a miracle and give thanks.

An old woman tending her cows

There are many religious icons here that are blessed and kissed by most of the people who journey here. We saw people praying, kneeling, crying and writing notes to St. Vasilije, the founder of the monastery. Others were sleeping in the courtyard on simple mattresses with wool blankets provided by the monks.

The monastery built in the mountain.It has been here for centuries



The pilgrims' blankets laid out to dry


We hiked the mountain along with others who had come on this holy day as it was a special day for John the Baptist so there were lots of people lined up for the blessings. We lined up as well to view the fossilized remains and be blessed by the priest in attendance.



Our washing facilities



The location provides quite a view of the countryside and our accommodations as well. We are staying in simple dormitories with the rest of the pilgrims, in same sex dorms of course. No hot water, limited electricity (I am writing this using a headlamp) and a long trough to wash in. It is an experience to be sure but you never know with Don lighting his candles it all helps.



Here we are halfway up the mountain, you can see the twisted roads



One of the many different flowers I captured on the hike,

We ate at one of the two restaurants here and retired early as there is not much activity on a Monday night in a secluded monastery.