Monday, June 30, 2008

Ostrog Monastery, Montenegro (June 22-23, 2008)

Ostrog Monastery was built directly into the side of a steep rocky mountain overlooking the Zeta River Valley in southwestern Montenegro. The Serbian Orthodox monastery was founded by St. Vasilije in the 17th century, and his body is enshrined in a small frescoed cave-chapel within the upper monastery. Today, the monastery is one of the Balkans' most popular pilgrimage sites for Orthodox Christians.
The view of the monastery from the winding road below
After a fire destroyed most of the complex, the monastery was rebuilt in the 1920s. The beautiful 17th century frescoes within the monastery's two cave-chapels survived the fire, but sadly, photos are not allowed. Prayer cards for sale in the monastery courtyard
A closer view of the monastery
Looking out over the Zeta River Valley from the monastery courtyard
The monastery at night. Basic lodging (mats and blankets) is provided free of charge for pilgrims and visitors.

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