Cave monastery near Podgorica, founded in 1897.
Year founded: 1897.
Dajbabe Monastery is located on Dajbabska Gora, about three kilometres south of Podgorica centre, along the Podgorica–Petrovac main road.
It was founded in 1897, and the monastery church, dedicated to the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, is situated in a natural cave, making it unique in Montenegro. The founder was hieromonk Simeon Popović, who enlarged the cave and painted frescoes adapted to the shape of the rock. The monastery preserves the relics of Saint Simeon of Dajbabe and the icon of the Theotokos of Jerusalem. Today it is an active spiritual centre with regular services.
Cover shoulders and knees. Some monasteries ask women to wear a headscarf, and skirts and scarves are often available to borrow at the entrance.
Monasteries are living communities of monks or nuns. Speak softly, silence your phone and keep out of areas closed to visitors.
Photography inside churches is often forbidden or limited, especially during services. Ask before taking pictures inside and never use a flash.
Entry is usually free. A donation towards the monastery's upkeep and candles are voluntary.
The church is set in a natural cave on Dajbabska Gora, and its interior layout follows the shape of the rock. This makes the monastery unique in Montenegro. From outside, only the spacious entrance porch with two bell towers is visible, while the temple extends into the hill. The frescoes are adapted to the uneven rock surface, creating a special experience.
Hieromonk Simeon Popović (1854–1941) was the founder and first abbot of the monastery. He enlarged the cave by digging and painted the interior himself, adapting the frescoes to the natural shape of the rock. His relics are kept in the monastery, and the Church venerates him as Saint Simeon of Dajbabe.
Just above the monastery is Dajbabska Gora with a viewpoint and tower, offering views of the Zeta Plain, Podgorica and the surrounding hills. A short walk from the monastery leads to this point, which is particularly attractive at sunset. It is also the place from which you can see the monastery complex set into the rock.
According to tradition, the monastery keeps the icon of the Theotokos of Jerusalem, brought in 1915 by hieromonk Sergej from Skopje. This icon has special significance for the faithful and is part of the monastery treasury, and its history connects Dajbabe with the wider spiritual context of the Balkans.
Viewing the Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos carved into a natural cave with frescoes.
Participation in the service or quiet prayer in the monastery church.
Photographing the church interior with frescoes adapted to the shape of the rock.
A short walk to the viewpoint and tower with views of the Zeta Plain and Podgorica.
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Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
413 km↑ 8,566 m5–8 days
0.9 km↑ 46 m25–35 min
3.2 km↑ 21 m50–70 min
9.9 km↑ 127 m45–65 min
10.7 km↑ 184 m45–60 min
44.2 km↑ 463 m2–3 days
From the centre of Podgorica, drive about 7 km (15 minutes) south, through the Dajbabe neighbourhood, along the Podgorica–Petrovac main road, to Manastirska Street. From Podgorica Airport, the distance is about 7.5 km (about 15 minutes).
Bus lines to the monastery itself are not regular, but the Dajbabe neighbourhood can be reached by city or suburban transport from Podgorica, followed by a short walk.
The nearest airport is Podgorica (TGD), about 7.5 km away. From the airport, the monastery can be reached by taxi or rental car in about 15 minutes.
By car from the centre of Podgorica, about 7 km (15 minutes) south, through the Dajbabe neighbourhood, along the Podgorica–Petrovac road. From Podgorica Airport, the distance is about 7.5 km.
Official opening hours are not published, but the monastery is open to visitors during the day. Services are held regularly, and the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (28 August) is celebrated with midnight and morning liturgies.
Entry to the monastery is free; no official ticket is published. Donations are welcome.
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended, in accordance with the rules of Orthodox churches.
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