Nemanjić Endowment from 1213 Overlooking the Lim Valley
Year Founded: 1213
Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery was built in 1213 as an endowment of Stefan Prvoslav, son of Grand Župan Tihomir and nephew of Stefan Nemanja.
The church is dedicated to Saint George, and the name “stupovi” comes from the towers–pirgs built alongside the church. In 1219, Saint Sava enthroned the first Bishop of Budimlja, Jakov, here, and the monastery served as the seat of the eparchy for centuries. Today it is an active cenobitic male monastery and the seat of the Eparchy of Budimlja and Nikšić.
Always wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Women should have a headscarf for inside the church. Inappropriate attire may result in being refused entry to the monastery.
Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially in summer. Weekdays out of season are most suitable for a peaceful visit — in the more visited monasteries, such as Ostrog, the difference is significant.
Monasteries are living communities of monks and nuns. In the church do not eat or drink, speak quietly and do not enter areas closed to visitors. Do not take anything out of the monastery — not a stone nor a flower. Approach with respect, regardless of religious affiliation.
Entrance to monasteries is usually free, and voluntary donations and candles are welcome. Pilgrims traditionally bring oil, wine, coffee and sugar as gifts for the monks; according to old custom, woolen socks are also brought to Ostrog for Saint Basil of Ostrog.
On monastery feast days and major holidays, many believers come — check the date of the feast day of the monastery you are visiting. The greatest holiday is Saint Basil of Ostrog on May 12; for that day, reserve accommodation well in advance.
The main church of the monastery is dedicated to Holy Great Martyr George. In the altar, parts of frescoes from the Nemanjić era are preserved, and the outer narthex, according to recent research, was painted during the time of Emperor Dušan. The church has been rebuilt several times after burnings and plunderings, but it still preserves the spirit of medieval architecture.
From the plateau around the church, there is a panoramic view over the Lim Valley, Berane, and the surrounding mountains. This elevated position, 2 km from the centre of Berane, adds to the sense of peace and spirituality. The plateau is an ideal spot for photography and a short break during your visit.
The monastery complex preserves stone monuments with Latin inscriptions from the Roman period. They testify to the settlement of this area long before the monastery’s founding in the 13th century and confirm the site’s layered history.
Visit the church dedicated to Saint George, the altar frescoes from the Nemanjić era, and the stone monuments from the Roman period.
Capture the panoramic view of the Lim Valley, Berane, and surrounding mountains from the monastery plateau.
Walk the pedestrian route from the centre of Berane to the monastery, about 2 km long.
Spend time in the quiet of the monastery complex with fresh mountain air and views of the Lim.
Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
262 km↑ 6,918 m4–5 days
22.7 km↑ 1,426 m7–10 h
44.2 km↑ 1,794 m5½–8 h
27.2 km↑ 1,216 m8–11½ h
13.2 km↑ 1,113 m5½–8 h
22.8 km↑ 1,330 m7½–10½ h
22.2 km↑ 359 m1½–2 h
7.6 km↑ 642 m1–1½ h
From the centre of Berane to the monastery is about 2 km (5–10 minutes’ drive on an asphalt road). From Podgorica, drive via Mateševo and Andrijevica for about 95–100 km, the journey takes approximately 2 hours; from Plav, the distance is about 43 km (about 1 hour).
If you arrive in Berane by bus, there is a pedestrian route of about 2 km from the city centre to the monastery, and you can also use a taxi.
The nearest airport is Podgorica (TGD), about 95–100 km away. The road from the airport to Berane goes via Mateševo and Andrijevica, and the drive takes approximately 2 hours.
The monastery was built in 1213 as an endowment of Stefan Prvoslav, son of Grand Župan Tihomir and nephew of Stefan Nemanja.
The monastery is about 2 km from the centre of Berane. By car it takes 5–10 minutes, and a walking route of 20–30 minutes is also possible.
The name “stupovi” denotes towers – pirgs – which were built alongside churches as bell towers and for defence. The monastery got its name from these towers.
Today it is an active cenobitic male monastery and the seat of the Eparchy of Budimlja and Nikšić. The patronal feast is Đurđevdan, 6 May.
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