2025 Mandici Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Ostrog Monastery is Montenegro's most renowned Orthodox Christian sanctuary, famous for its unique cliffside architecture and profound religious heritage. Perched approximately 900 meters above sea level on a vertical cliff in the Zeta River Valley, the monastery consists of two sections: the Upper Monastery (built in 1665 and embedded within a cave, housing exquisite frescoes - photography prohibited inside) and the Lower Monastery (constructed in the 18th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary - currently closed to visitors). From afar, the white complex resembles a "Hanging Temple," visible for kilometers like a shining beacon. Founded in the 17th century by St. Basil of Ostrog, a Serbian Orthodox bishop and Montenegro's patron saint, the monastery enshrines his miraculously preserved relics. Legend states that seven years after his death, his exhumed body emitted a fragrant aroma before being transferred to the Upper Monastery for veneration. Annually attracting over a million visitors and pilgrims, some devotees even climb barefoot as an act of piety. Pilgrims often touch or kiss objects within the monastery and spread prayer blankets, believing these items absorb sacred power. The monastery gained international fame through the miraculous healing of former U.S. Congressman William B. after his spiritual retreat here. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as one of the Balkans' most significant religious landmarks, blending natural wonders with spiritual devotion.

If this is your first time visiting Serbia and its neighboring countries, don't miss this 10-day travel guide! Enjoy wine tasting at the Titanic Winery, take a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, and enjoy a boat tour on Skadar Lake. Don't miss out on the grilled fish in Bosnia, Montenegrin specialties, Skadar Lake fish dishes, and the lamb feast at the Tara Bridge restaurant! . Serbia, a witness to history! 🏰 Explore medieval castles and feel the traces of war and time. On this multi-country tour, you'll see picturesque scenery along the way, 🌄 experience the unique customs of different regions, and fill your trip with stories and colors! . 🛣️ Itinerary: DAY1: Depart from Beijing Airport 🛫 DAY2-3: Belgrade In-Depth Tour Arrive in the capital of Serbia and visit the ancient city and Tito's Flower House 💐. Then head to the House on the Water and Wooden City to experience the beauty of the filming location of the movie "Life Is a Miracle" 🎬. DAY4: Tara Bridge and Black Lake Exploration Cross the Tara Bridge and enjoy a lamb meal at a scenic restaurant 🍖. Then head to the picturesque Black Lake — Durmitor National Park 🏞️. DAY5: Skadar Lake Boat Tour Visit Skadar Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the Balkans 🚤, and admire the magnificent scenery of the Ostrog Monastery 🌅. DAY6: Kotor Bay and Mostar Take a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks and Kotor Bay 🛳️. Arrive in the Ottoman-style ancient city of Mostar in the evening 🌃. DAY7-8: Sarajevo and Belgrade After visiting the Old Bridge of Mostar, head to Sarajevo 🏰. Then return to Belgrade and stroll along Knez Mihailova Street 🛍️. DAY9: Return to Beijing 🔙 End your wonderful Balkan trip and set off back to Beijing. DAY10: Arrive in Beijing and Dismiss 🛬 After arriving in Beijing, return home and end this unforgettable journey. . 🧳 Travel Preparation: 📞 European SIM card/international roaming package: Stay connected and don't miss any beautiful scenery or important contacts. 🔌 Adapter plug and charger: For multi-country travel, charging devices must be compatible, so don't let your phone run out of power. 👕 Suitable clothing: The climate in March is moderate, so bring some light spring clothes, as well as a windproof jacket and rain gear to cope with the changeable weather. 💳 Bank card and a small amount of cash: Although visa-free, you still need them for spending, and it will be easier to have some change ready. 🎫 Passport and air ticket: Make sure you have all the necessary documents for a worry-free trip. Even for visa-free countries, remember to bring your passport with you. 💊 Commonly used medicines and sunscreen: Health first when traveling, and don't forget sunscreen to stay in good condition. . Take a multi-country tour in Serbia and beyond, experience different cultural charms, and make your travel story more colorful. We look forward to your next adventure! 🌍✨

Travel visa-free in Europe with old friends! A 13-day in-depth tour of Serbia and other countries, covering all the highlights and ancient town customs, with carefully selected hotels throughout the trip to ensure a comfortable journey. / Serbia, a place where history and nature blend. The ancient castle 🏰 witnesses the changes of history, and the beautiful Danube River 🌊 flows through this land. Travel to multiple countries and experience the rich customs and cultural heritage of Eastern Europe. / Itinerary: 📅Day 1-2: Beijing ✈️Istanbul ✈️Belgrade Depart from Beijing, transfer in Istanbul, and arrive in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Rest on the first day and visit the city on the second day, including attractions such as Kalemegdan Fortress. 🚌Day 3-4: Tour around Belgrade Visit places like Novi-Sad and visit fortresses and museums. Afterwards, we will go to the popular attractions such as the underwater cabin and wooden village to experience the unique golden cable car. 🌲Day 5-6: Visit the national park and the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina Visit Durmitor National Park and taste grilled lamb. Then we went to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 🏰Day 7-9: Deep into Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro Continue to Sarajevo, then Jablanica and Mostar. Then visit Perast and Kotor Fjord. 🏖️Day 10-11: Crossing Albania and Montenegro Visit Budva, the small island of Sveti Stefan and the Albanian capital of Tirana. Then visit Skadar Lake National Park and wineries. 🛫Day 12: Return After visiting the Ostrog Monastery, we returned to Beijing via Istanbul. 🏠Day 13: Arrive in Beijing Ended the Balkan trip and arrived in Beijing safely. / Attractions suggestions: 🌟 Belgrade Fortress 🌟 🌕🌕🌕🌕 - Address: Belgrade, Serbia - Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-17:00 - Play time: 2-4 hours - Kalemegdan Fortress, a fusion of history and modernity, is suitable for seniors to slowly visit, learn historical knowledge, and feel the charm of ancient buildings. Don't miss the historical exhibitions and beautiful sunsets in the castle! 🌟 Wooden Village 🌟 🌕🌕🌕🌕 - Address: Mokra Gora, Serbia - Opening hours: Open all day - Playing time: 2-3 hours - The Wooden Village in the Zlatibor Mountains, a small village full of fantasy. The pristine panoramic scenery, as well as facilities such as museums, galleries, and gymnasiums, make it a great place to relax. 🌟 Church of Saint Sava 🌟 🌕🌕🌕🌕 - Address: Krušedolska 2a, Beograd 11000 Serbia - Opening hours: 7:00-20:00 - Play time: 1-2 hours - The Church of Saint Sava, built in 1935, is one of the larger Orthodox churches. Walk into the church and feel the solemnity and sacredness brought by the big dome. 🌟 Kotor 🌟 🌕🌕🌕🌕 - Address: Montenegro - Duration: 1 day - The old town of Kotor has been well preserved from its medieval appearance. Stroll along the streets of the ancient city, feel the charm of history, and enjoy the warm and peaceful atmosphere. 🌟 Knez Mihajlova Street 🌟 🌕🌕🌕🌕 - Address: Kneza Mihaila, Beograd, Serbia - Play time: 1-2 hours - Knez Mihajlova Street, a busy commercial street in the center of Belgrade. It is a great place for leisure shopping with its historical buildings, various shops and cafes. / Travel list: 📞 **Phone Card and Internet**: Remember to buy a local phone card for easy communication and to save on roaming charges. Or you can get an international roaming package to ensure uninterrupted internet access. 🔌 **Power plug converter**: European plugs may be different from ours, so you need to bring a converter, otherwise it will be embarrassing if the device runs out of power. 🆔 **Documents**: Although visa-free, you still need to carry your passport, driver’s license and relevant insurance documents with you in case of emergency. 👗 **Clothing**: It’s still a bit cold in Serbia in February, so bring some warm coats, scarves, and gloves. The shoes need to be comfortable, after all, you will be walking a lot. 🔋 **Charger and power bank**: Your mobile phone and camera must have sufficient batteries, and a power bank is also essential. There are so many beautiful sights, don’t miss them because of running out of battery. / Traveling to Serbia and other countries, you will enjoy beautiful scenery and full of memories. What are you waiting for on your next trip? Let’s go and continue exploring every corner of the world!

Premium recommendations! Museum-themed activities, 11-day travel guide to Serbia and other countries! Explore exotic charm from a historical perspective and unlock new travel experiences! -------------------- Hey, if you are a history enthusiast 👓 and love diverse natural scenery 🍃, then a trip to Serbia and other countries is a must. The Roman ruins and Gothic architecture 🏰 will take you back to the prosperity of the ancient empire, while the intoxicating night view 🌃 on the banks of the Danube River shows the modern charm of Serbia and other countries. With the experience of local customs 🎻🍷, your camera lens will be busy! -------------------- 🎉🎉Itinerary🎉🎉: D1-D2: ✈️ Meet at Beijing Capital Airport, transfer to a midnight flight via Istanbul, Türkiye, and fly to Belgrade, Serbia, for an exciting city tour. D3: 🚎 Today we come to Novi-Sad, where you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of Petrovaradin Fortress and Novi-Sad Museum. D4-D5: 🚌 The itinerary changes, taking you to the historical features of Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. D6-D7: 🚌 Now we will first visit the medieval town of Mostar, and then go to the ancient town of Perast and the ancient city of Kotor to explore more stories. D8-D9: 🚎 Next, we will enter the ancient city of Budva and feel the vitality of Tirana. Then, we will enjoy the natural scenery in Skadar Lake National Park, and finally end the day with wine tasting at the winery. D10-D11: ✈️ Our last stop will be the Ostrog Monastery, and then we will fly back to China. The journey is over, and we welcome you to choose our route again next time. -------------------- Must-see attractions: 🏰 Belgrade Fortress: A medieval fortress with a view of the sunset at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers! You must have never felt such a shock! ⛪ St. Sava Church: The big round roof welcomes visitors, and walking in to feel its charm is a different kind of scenery! Spirituality and art blend here! 🏛️ Mihailo Grand Street: The 19th-century architecture is unique, and the ancient scenery is fascinating! Walking in the long river of history, it is as if you are entering another world! 🕊️ Tito's Tomb: A resting place for a great man! Quiet, solemn, guarding the history and memory of this country! -------------------- Travel tips: 🎁 In Serbia, you can buy the local specialty Knaz for about RMB 100 🎒; 💳 When enjoying a trip to Serbia and other countries, you will find yourself in a visa-free country! The journey is fair and worry-free 🎉; ⌚ Serbia is located in East 1, 6 hours later than Beijing time, so you should pay attention to adjusting your biological clock 😴; 💰 Finally, about currency, the currency of Serbia is the dinar, and 1 RMB is about 16 Serbian dinars 💸. -------------------- Okay, that's all for the multi-country tour. Serbia, wait for me. The meaning of travel is to explore the unknown. Let's go together!

🕌Ostrog Monastery is located in Danilovgrad, Montenegro, 50 km from Podgorica and 15 km from Nikšić. It was built in the 17th century by the Metropolitan of Herzegovina, Vasilije, and is one of the most important sites of the Serbian Orthodox Church. It was rebuilt between 1923 and 1926. 🎫Tickets: Free. 🚗Transportation Public transportation is inconvenient, so it is recommended to drive or rent a car. If you take public transportation, you will need to transfer several times, and you will need to walk a distance to the monastery. ⚠️Visiting Tips • No phone calls or photography are allowed in the upper monastery, but you can take pictures of the Zeta Valley from the observation deck upstairs. • Dress appropriately and avoid revealing clothing. • Be serious when paying homage to the relics of the saints and visiting the pilgrimage scene, and do not whisper. ⭕️Architecture and Attractions • Upper Monastery: There is the Church of the Annunciation and the Church of the Holy Cross, and the relics of Saint Ostrog are placed in the Church of the Annunciation. The church has beautiful frescoes from the late 17th century, and the frescoes in the Church of the Holy Cross were painted by the master Radul, who cleverly created them according to the natural shape of the cave, directly on the surface of the rock and the south wall. • Lower Monastery: Centered on the Church of the Holy Trinity, built in 1824, surrounded by the residences of the monks and dormitories for pilgrims. ⭕️Religious Significance and Cultural Value This is one of the most important pilgrimage sites of the Orthodox Church in the Balkans, attracting more than a million believers every year. It is said to have healing miracles for pilgrims suffering from illness, attracting many believers to seek spiritual comfort and support. There are some historical legends about Ostrog Monastery: ✅The Legend of the Pear Tree: Saint Ostrog once threw the seeds of a pear he had eaten over the railing of a cliff, and the next morning, a large tree grew out of the rock, blooming and bearing pears, and it is said that this happened in February. ✅The Miracle of Parsley: Ostrog was a skilled doctor, and once he was in urgent need of parsley, but no one around him had any. So he planted parsley seeds at night, and the next morning, parsley grew for use. And this parsley grew year after year in a corner with no sunlight or rain. ✅Healing Miracles: There are also incredible healing miracles for pilgrims suffering from illness. People believe that the relics of Saint Ostrog have magical powers, so many believers come to worship, hoping to cure diseases of the body and soul, and even the blankets of the monastery are believed to have magical energy. ℹ️Surrounding Facilities There is a free parking lot near the monastery, and there are few commercial facilities around, with only one vending machine.

#2024TravelReview Ostrog Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery located in the Zeta River valley in Montenegro, about 25 miles from Podřeča. It was built by the 17th-century Serbian Orthodox bishop Saint Ostrog of Basil. The monastery built on the mountain wall is very beautiful and many people come here to make pilgrimages.

Babies! A 13-day in-depth tour of Serbia and other countries, all in one article! All the highlights are here, save it and take you to experience the customs of many countries~ -------------------- Route overview: D1: Gather at Beijing Capital Airport and prepare to fly to Serbia to start your European journey. D2-D3: Arrive in Belgrade, visit the city and Novi-Sad, visit the fortress and museum. D4: Visit the popular water house and wooden village, and experience the golden cable car. D5: Head to Durmitor National Park for a roast lamb meal. D6-D8: Visit Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Jablanica and Mostar. D9-D10: Head to Perast, Kotor, Budva and Tirana, the capital of Albania. D11: Visit Lake Skadar National Park and taste wine at PLANTAZE Winery. D12: After visiting Ostrog Monastery, fly back to Beijing. D13: Arrive in Beijing and the Balkan tour ends. 🎉 -------------------- 🧳 Travel preparation: Multi-country tour, easy packing! 🆔 Documents first, passport and ID card, don't forget to carry them with you. 🔌 Plug converter, different currents in different countries, this is a must. 📱 Prepare a phone card, connect to the Internet at any time, and communicate without barriers. 👗 Clothing should be appropriate, the temperature drops in November, and bring a warm coat. 🔋 Charger and power bank, many electronic devices, and sufficient power. 💊 Medicine is also important, cold and stomach medicine, mosquito repellent and band-aids. -------------------- A multi-country tour of Serbia and other countries, a trip, and the customs of many countries will make your European trip more colorful. Come and start your dream trip! 🌍✨

#2024wish Just had a soul-stirring experience at Ostrog Orthodox Monastery in Montenegro! 🏰⛰️ The spiritual journey came with a priceless admission – it's free! #OstrogSpiritualRetreat #MontenegroMonasteryMagic Perched dramatically on a vertical cliff, the monastery seems like a divine marvel against the mountainous backdrop. The white facade against the rock is a sight that words can hardly capture. 🏞️🕊️ The pilgrimage to the Upper Monastery, dedicated to St. Basil of Ostrog, is a steep but rewarding ascent. The view from this sacred site is truly heavenly, offering a sense of serenity and connection with the divine. ⛪🌄 The Lower Monastery, easily accessible by car, provides a more extensive exploration. The intricate frescoes and religious artifacts within the chapels are a testament to the deep spiritual heritage of the site. 🖌️🙏 Whether you're a pilgrim or a traveler seeking cultural richness, Ostrog is a spiritual gem. The atmosphere resonates with devotion, and the energy within the monastery is palpable. 🌟🧘 The nearby town of Danilovgrad, with its charming streets and welcoming cafes, is an excellent spot for a post-monastery reflection. The local hospitality and traditional Montenegrin cuisine add to the overall experience. 🍲🏘️ Exploring the surrounding nature is a bonus. The air is crisp, and the scenic views of the Bjelopavlići plain create a peaceful backdrop to the spiritual retreat. 🌿🏞️ Ostrog Orthodox Monastery is not just a religious site; it's a spiritual sanctuary that transcends beliefs. With its free entry, cultural significance, and nearby attractions, it's a pilgrimage of the heart and soul! #MontenegroSpiritualJourney #OstrogMonasteryMarvel