Foto: The monastery nestled against the mountain cliff (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Montenegro - After a two-hour drive, I arrive at the Ostrog Monastery. This Serbian Orthodox monastery, dating back to the 12th century, is built into a cliff face. Before visiting the monastery, I order a sandwich on a terrace—I’ve hardly eaten today. Then I visit the Church of the Holy Martyr Stanko at the Lower Monastery. I see beautifully decorated frescoes on the ceiling. I follow the pilgrimage route, a footpath that climbs about two kilometers. Along the way, I stop at the Church of St. Stanko the Martyr. The climb is tougher than expected. I can feel that I’ve already been on the move for hours. I practice saying "zdravo" (hello) to fellow walkers. At the top, my efforts are rewarded. The Upper Monastery is built into the mountainside. In a cave lie the remains of the holy Saint Basil of Ostrog. I join the line of waiting pilgrims to enter the cave. I see how much this visit means to the faithful around me. They kiss the mosaic images and touch the cross near the saint’s coffin. I observe the scene respectfully. Afterward, I climb the tower to reach the higher cave. Here, too, believers are praying. The Ostrog Monastery is a remarkable place.
Biogradska Gora National Park
Montenegro - I set off toward Biogradska Gora National Park. On the way, I drive through the Tara Gorge. At 1,300 meters deep, the Tara Gorge is the deepest gorge in Europe. At an arched bridge over the gorge, I stop briefly. From a terrace, I have a beautiful view ...
Durmitor National Park
Montenegro - Gašo, the owner of the campsite, drives me to the starting point. Paco, a local boy, is my guide for the day. He leads me through Durmitor National Park. Durmitor is a unique natural area with mountain peaks, deep gorges, and vast meadows. The park is ...
Kotor on the Adriatic Sea
Montenegro - After walking for about 45 minutes, I spot a restaurant and realize I’ve already reached Krstac. I must have missed a turn, resulting in a small detour. It’s frustrating that the initial paths were so poorly marked. I decide to be more attentive in ...
The Njego Mausoleum in Loven National Park
Montenegro - Above Cetinje, dark clouds hang and thunder sounds in the distance. It’s not a question of if it will rain, but when. To be safe, I look for a simple poncho in the shops. If that fails, I’ll settle for a sturdy umbrella. Then Vlado drives me to the ...
The old medieval town of Budva
Montenegro - As we approach the coast, Vlado points out the beaches. Many beaches are private property belonging to hotels and resorts. Around Budva, this is no exception. I see numerous tourists walking toward the beach and the old town. Vlado parks close to the ...