Herceg Novi, Boka Kotorska
Orthodox monastery above the Bay of Kotor
Oldest written mention: Year 1648
Savina Monastery is a male Orthodox monastery in the western part of Herceg Novi, about two kilometers from the Old Town, set on a slope above the Bay of Kotor and surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, gardens, and vineyards.
It bears the name of Saint Sava, and the complex consists of three churches: the small and the large Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God, with the treasury and konak, and the small Church of Saint Sava at the viewpoint above the monastery. The treasury preserves the crystal cross of Saint Sava from the 13th century, objects from the Tvrdoš Monastery, and the miraculous icon of the Virgin of Savina from the 16th century. The monastery is active, with a monastic brotherhood, and its patronal feast is the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God, August 28.
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 oldest part of the complex, according to tradition and an inscription from 1831 dates back to 1030, although stylistic analysis points to the 15th century. Within it, the oldest frescoes in this area were discovered, from the mid-15th century, attributed to the Kotor painter Lovro Dobričević, and over them a layer of painting from 1565 was applied. The church is about ten meters long and about six meters wide.
Built from 1777 to 1799 with Korčula stone, designed by master Nikola Foretić from Korčula. Its architecture combines Byzantine and Baroque elements, reflecting the meeting of eastern and western traditions in Boka. The iconostasis was created from 1795 to 1797 by Simeon Lazović and his son Aleksije and is considered a significant work of Serbian Baroque.
According to tradition, it dates from the 13th century and is the reason the monastery got its name. It is located at a viewpoint above the monastery complex, and around it are buried Russian soldiers who died in battles with the French in Boka at the beginning of the 19th century. A walk with a view of the bay leads to it.
They preserve valuable objects and manuscripts, including the crystal cross of Saint Sava from the 13th century, objects from the Tvrdoš Monastery, and icons donated by old Orthodox families of Herceg Novi. Particularly venerated is the miraculous icon of the Virgin of Savina, in Italo-Cretan style, probably from the 16th century, one of six canonized miraculous icons in the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Viewing the three churches, treasury, library, and garden with a pine tree over 200 years old.
Capturing the blend of Byzantine and Baroque elements and views of the Bay of Kotor.
Holy Liturgy on Saturdays at 08:00, Sundays and holidays at 09:00.
A family winery near the monastery offers Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Rosé.
Three churches, a treasury, and a viewpoint over Boka Kotorska
Discover the spiritual heart of Herceg Novi at Savina Monastery, where Byzantine and Baroque architecture meet, and a miraculous icon draws pilgrims from across the region.
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Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
7.1 km↑ 128 m2–2½ h
195 km↑ 3,259 m2–3 days
406 km↑ 10,191 m6–8 days
88.4 km↑ 4,606 m4–6 days
2.5 km↑ 145 m45–65 min
5.1 km↑ 16 m1½–2 h
4.6 km↑ 18 m65–90 min
14.8 km↑ 1,468 m7–10 h
Did You Know?
The miraculous icon of the Virgin of Savina is one of six canonized miraculous icons in the Serbian Orthodox Church.
From the Old Town of Herceg Novi, the monastery is about 2 km away (3–5 minutes by car along the E65 main road). From Podgorica, drive about 100 km (about 2 h 15 min) via Budva/Tivat and the Lepetane–Kamenari ferry; from Kotor, about 29 km by ferry (about 45 min) or longer around the bay; from Dubrovnik, about 48 km (about 1 h plus border crossing). Park at the public Savina parking lot on Branka Ćopića Street, 50 spaces, paid.
Intercity bus lines connect Herceg Novi with Podgorica, Kotor, and Dubrovnik. From the bus station in Herceg Novi to the monastery is about 2 km; you can walk or take a local taxi.
The nearest airports are Tivat (TIV) and Podgorica (TGD). From Tivat Airport to Herceg Novi, the main road along the Bay of Kotor leads; from Podgorica, the journey is about 100 km and takes about 2 h 15 min, including the Lepetane–Kamenari ferry.
Spring and early autumn offer a mild climate and fewer crowds, and a special day is August 28, the monastery's patronal feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God. July and August bring festival liveliness, but also more visitors.
The monastery is about 2 km from the Old Town of Herceg Novi; it can be reached on foot in about 20 minutes or by car in 3–5 minutes along the E65 main road. Parking is at the public Savina parking lot on Branka Ćopića Street.
Modest clothing as in Orthodox churches is expected — covered shoulders and knees. The monastery is active, so visitors should behave quietly and with respect.
For a tour of the three churches, the treasury, and the viewpoint, plan 1–2 hours. If you attend a service or a tasting at the nearby winery, set aside half a day.
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