Although a small country, Montenegro is a great treasury that preserves valuable relics of the three dominant European religions, and in particular orthodox. Being positioned between the East and the West, Montenegro has inherited Illyrian, Hellenistic, Roman, Catholic, Orthodox and Islamic influences. Today, the majority of the population is member of the Orthodox religion. So we would like to introduce you the three greatest sanctuaries in Montenegro. Find out how the most sacred relics (the right hand of John the Baptist, a peace the Holy Cross and the icon Philermos) found their shelter in this small town Cetinje for more than 60 years after a long historic road from Jerusalem, via Constantinople, crusaders and the Russian Empire, Copenhagen, Berlin and Belgrade; pay homage to the relics of the Saint Vasilije of Ostrog, wonder worker; find your inner peace in the enchanting ambience of Moraca monastery, which for centuries preserved frescoes of talented painters of post Byzantine period.

Itinerary

Visit: Monastery of Cetinje

The excursion starts from the Old Royal capital, town of Cetinje which was founded in the 15^th century. The town is considered to be spiritual and cultural centre of Montenegro. We visit gorgeous Monastery of Cetinje built in 1484. This monastery was a seat of Montenegrin rulers for centuries, nowadays it is a seat of Montenegrin Metropolitanate. The Monastery of Cetinje preserves the relics of Saint Peter of Cetinje, as well as two unique Christian relics – right hand of St. John the Baptist, which Jesus Christ was baptized with and piece of the Holy Cross which The Jesus was crucified on. Treasury keeps very rich collection of artifacts from different periods, a large part of it was made of precious metals and gems.

Visit: National museum and gallery in Cetinje

After the monastery, we visit the National Museum and Gallery, the former Government House. Additionally to many valuable works of art, one of the most important Christian relics found its place here, a former patron of the island of Rhodes and the Sovereign Order of Malta, the icon of Philermos. Having crossed a long way from Jerusalem, via Constantinople, the Russian Empire, Copenhagen, Berlin and Belgrade, she found a resting place in the Blue Chapel of the National Museum of Montenegro.

Visit: Ostrog Monastery

After visit of Cetinje, the road leads us further to Niksic and Ostrog monastery. Curved into the magnificent mountain cliff of Ostrog, at about 840 meters above the sea level, Ostrog monastery is not only an Orthodox shrine, but it is also visited by followers of all religious throughout the world, who come here to pay homage to the relics of the Saint, in search of a cure for their body and soul. From the Monastery of Holy Trinity below, a pilgrims’ path leads to the upper monastery, the final resting place of Saint Vasilije, a miracle worker and founder of the monastery. In order to experience the magnitude of this place you should walk this path as the most humble of pilgrims. When you approach the monastery an old monk will tell you about the miracles performed by the Saint in this place.
The excursion goes further to Podgroica – the capital and administrative, cultural, university and business centre of Montenegro. During panoramic tour through the town, you will have opportunity to see the seat of Ministries and Parliament, the National Theatre, monument dedicated to the Saint Peter of Cetinje and monument of the Russian writer Pushkin.
In one of the oldest traditional houses of old Podgorica we have a lunch of national home made dishes – roasted lamb meat, homemade traditional starter (smoked ham, cheese, olives), salad of organic, homemade vegetable, traditional grape brandy (loza).
After lunch the road leads us through the canyon of Moraca river to our next aim –Moraca Monastery.

Visit: Moraca Monastery

Moraca monastery was built in the 13^th century on the right bank of the Moraca River. The monastery consists of the assembly church devoted to the Assumption of Mary, small church of Nicholas and lodgings. Additionally to its marvelous architecture, particular attention needs to be given to the frescos painted by the famous painters of post Byzantine period. Inside this monastery complex surrounded by the walls one can feel the modest life of the monks in a harmony with nature.
We return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Other Excursion from Globtour Montenegro:

• Excursion Montenegro to Albania

Note: Prices are valid for summer season – the 1^st of May to the 1^st of October. In the off season we organize individual excursions.