Today, Montenegro boasts a vast number of monasteries, enough to fill pages of a comprehensive list. Pilgrimage tours and excursions around the country are equally extensive. In this guide, I’ll introduce you to the most significant sacred sites in Montenegro, share a map of monasteries, and provide helpful tips for your visit.
Table of contents:
- General information about monasteries in Montenegro and not only
- Map of the most famous monasteries
- TOP 6 monasteries in Montenegro: overview
- Excursions to the monasteries of Montenegro
It will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to Montenegro without these websites
General Information About Monasteries in Montenegro and More
Here are the key points at a glance:
- The country officially has over 50 monasteries.
- Nearly half were built between the 13th and 16th centuries. For instance, the famous Morača Monastery was founded in 1252.
- Montenegrins are deeply religious. Here’s how they align by faith:
- 72% Orthodox Christians
- 18% Muslims
- Less than 3% Catholics
- There are also small communities of Jews and followers of other religions.
- You can read more about religion in Montenegro in this article.
Interesting to know:
All monasteries in Montenegro are exclusively Orthodox.
Some churches feature dual altars, which is a rare phenomenon worldwide. These allow both Catholic and Orthodox services to be held.
There are about 10 such churches in Montenegro. The most famous and accessible include:
- Church of St. Petka on the outskirts of the resort town of Sutomore.
- Overview of Sutomore: attractions, beaches, restaurants, there are a few words about this church and a mark on the map.
- Church of St. Luke in the Old Town of Kotor. Coordinates: 42.42551324379809, 18.77114821453113
Map of the Most Famous Monasteries in Montenegro
Below is a map featuring the most popular monasteries, attracting both pilgrims and tourists. Each year, tens of thousands of visitors choose monastery-focused tours, and Ostrog alone reportedly receives over 1 million visitors annually.
TOP 6 monasteries in Montenegro: overview
So, an overview of the most visited monasteries.
Ostrog Monastery
Though not the oldest, this 17th-century monastery is undoubtedly a national symbol and the most revered Orthodox site in the region.
The relics of St. Basil of Ostrog, one of the most venerated saints of the Serbian Orthodox Church, are kept here.
- Coordinates: 42.6750203658825, 19.030548478185896
- Carved into a rock face at an altitude of 900 meters.
- Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Admission: Free.
- Car Parking: Two options—during peak season, the upper lot may be closed due to overcrowding, so visitors must use the lower one, which requires a 40-minute hike.
- Public Transport: Take the Podgorica-Nikšić train (exit at Ostrog station; only a few trains stop here) for €1.50, followed by a taxi ride (€10-15 one way).
Author’s recommendation:
Ostrog Monastery is without exaggeration the primary Orthodox shrine in the country and the most visited monastery in the Balkans. Even if you’re not particularly interested in religious sites, Ostrog is a must-see for every tourist.
Cetinje Monastery
This male monastery was founded in 1484 in the first capital of Montenegro, Cetinje. It was more than just a monastery—it was a fortress with high defensive walls, a moat, and protective stakes. Despite this, it was completely destroyed by the Turks in 1692.
Rebuilt in the early 18th century, it later housed Montenegro’s first printing press and secondary school. Visitors today can still see remnants of the 15th-century fortifications.
- Coordinates: 42.38787862981536, 18.92168942605019
- Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Admission: Free.
- Relics: The monastery holds the relics of St. Peter of Cetinje (the first ruler of Montenegro), the Right Hand of St. John the Baptist, and fragments of the Holy Cross.
- Getting There: Buses run from any major city to Cetinje, and the monastery is a 15-minute walk from the town center.
- Overview of Cetinje: attractions, restaurants.
Author’s recommendation:
While Ostrog is the top tourist monastery, Cetinje is the most frequented on pilgrimage and guided tours. No monastery itinerary in Montenegro skips this site.
Piva Monastery
Built in the 16th century along the Piva River, which has since become one of Montenegro’s most beautiful (though not the most beautiful) lakes.
Due to Turkish raids, the monastery was originally built modestly and discreetly to avoid attracting attention.
After 400 years, it was relocated 2 km away from its original site to avoid being submerged when the Piva River was dammed. Remarkably, the monastery’s rich interior décor was perfectly preserved during the move.
- Coordinates: 43.110031077942615, 18.81834292131969
- Admission: Free
- Public Transport: Not accessible by public transportation.
Author’s recommendation:
The stunning frescoes inside are well worth the visit. If you’re traveling from Durmitor National Park via the Sedlo Pass, the Piva Monastery is conveniently en route. It’s a place where time seems to stand still.
An interesting article about time in Montenegro, about the attitude of locals to time, about punctuality and much more.
Morača Monastery – one of the oldest monasteries in Montenegro
One of the oldest monasteries in Montenegro, built in 1252 by the son of a noble from the Nemanjić dynasty.
In the 15th century, the monastery was looted by the Ottomans, who not only pillaged but dismantled its roof and destroyed many frescoes, leaving only the walls intact. The monastery and its frescoes were fully restored in the 18th century.
Today, the monastery complex includes two additional churches and monks’ quarters.
- Coordinates: 42.766216294821014, 19.390507077468445
- Relics: The hand of St. Charalambos and the Octoechos, the first printed Slavic book.
- Admission: Free.
- Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Author’s recommendation:
Morača is best visited during a trip to Biogradska Gora National Park. However, be mindful that a new highway bypasses the monastery, and most tourists take this faster route. Opting for the older, slightly longer road will lead you right past this historic gem.
Daibabe – One of the Most Fascinating Monasteries in Montenegro
Daibabe Monastery is an active men’s monastery located just 4.5 kilometers from the center of Podgorica. Among all Montenegrin monasteries, this is the easiest to reach by public transport.
What makes this monastery unique is that it is entirely underground, situated within natural caves shaped like a large cross. Above the monastery, on the surface, stands a small church dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- Coordinates: 42.403959402877874, 19.232454122130314
- Visitation Details: The site is free to visit whenever the church is open, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Precise monastery hours are unclear, but daytime visits are generally possible.
Author’s recommendation:
Daibabe is often referred to as the “Cave Monastery.” It’s one of those rare places where you can combine a visit to a religious site with an architectural curiosity. There aren’t many monasteries carved into caves.
Reževići Monastery – A Comprehensive Monastery Complex
Reževići may not be the most famous monastery in Montenegro, but it will undoubtedly captivate those interested in religious architecture and history.
By the 16th century, the complex already housed two churches, a monastery, and monastic cells. The churches were adorned with stunning frescoes, though they were largely plundered by Turkish invaders in the 16th and 17th centuries. Unfortunately, only small fragments of the frescoes remain today.
During World War II, the monastery was almost entirely destroyed by the occupying forces of Fascist Italy, losing all of its sacred relics.
- Coordinates: 42.21504938359653, 18.92406201031424
- The monastery sits atop a hill with stunning panoramic views of the sea and Petrovac’s Perazica Do Beach.
- It’s possible to hike from Petrovac to the monastery in 2-3 hours one way. Keep in mind that it’s a steep climb up the mountain.
Author’s recommendation:
Reževići Monastery is located right along the main coastal highway. No matter where you’re headed on this road—Budva, Petrovac, Bar, or Ulcinj—you’ll pass by it. If you’re staying in Petrovac, you can even plan a hiking trip to the monastery. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks.
Overview of Petrovac for tourists.
Excursions to Montenegro’s Monasteries
This isn’t the most popular form of tourism in the country, but here are some examples of excellent monastery tour routes in Montenegro:
General Tips:
- Since all monasteries in Montenegro offer free entry, there’s no need to budget for entrance fees. Your main expenses will be the cost of the tour and meals on the road.
- Pay close attention to the itinerary and timing of the tour. Some tours try to cram in too many stops within a single day, leaving only 15 minutes at each location. Personally, I prefer tours that follow a more relaxed pace.
Follow the link at GetYourGuide and Viator for additional examples of great monastery tours in Montenegro.
- At the end of the article you will find links to all excursions in Montenegro.
Final Thoughts:
Most tourists come to Montenegro primarily for beach vacations. Between lounging on the beach and dining at local restaurants, many choose to explore Montenegro’s incredible sights through excursions. A special place within these excursions is reserved for visits to the country’s Orthodox sanctuaries.
Montenegrin monasteries are a source of pride for every local. The number of pilgrimage tours and routes to sacred sites is countless. Every monastery is open to both organized groups and independent travelers alike.
Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro
- WayAway: Cheap flights and best deals.
- Car rental in Montenegro:
- LocalRent – works with local rental companies. Leader in car rental in Montenegro.
- DiscoverCars – a large international platform.
- Budget-friendly vacation packages to Montenegro: CheapOair.
- Hotels and apartments all over the country:
- Trip.com – the most popular accommodation booking platform
- TripAdvisor compares the prices among dozens of other booking services and offer the best price
- Tours, excursions and activities (including extreme ones):
- GetYourGuide – more than 800 tours
- Viator – 1000+ excursions and activities throughout the country
- Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
- Internet and Calls:
- Airalo eSIM in Montenegro
- Drimsim – universal sim card for frequent traveler
- Taxi and airport transfers: Intui.Travel