Ostrog Monastery

The Upper Monastery is built into two natural caves about 900 meters above the Zeta valley, a white facade set flush into a vertical rock face. Saint Basil of Ostrog founded it in the 17th century, and his relics still draw a steady line of pilgrims, which gives a visit here a living intensity that quieter museum monasteries lack. The cave chapels are the art reward: frescoes painted straight onto rough rock by an unknown master. Walking up from the Lower Monastery is about 3 km through pine forest, mostly paved, in 30 to 45 minutes. Dress rules are strictly enforced, with shoulders and knees covered, and photography is banned inside the cave churches.