Home › Destinations › Dajbabe Monastery
Dajbabe Monastery, Crna Gora / Црна Гора - Things to Do in Dajbabe Monastery

Dajbabe Monastery

Dajbabe Monastery, Crna Gora / Црна Гора - Complete Travel Guide

Dajbabe Monastery, located near Podgorica in Montenegro (Crna Gora), is one of the country's most unique and spiritually significant Orthodox monasteries. Built into a natural cave system in the late 19th century by Saint Simeon of Dajbabe, this remarkable monastery combines natural rock formations with sacred architecture, creating an otherworldly atmosphere for worship and contemplation. The monastery is carved directly into limestone caves, with multiple chambers serving as chapels, living quarters, and burial sites. The monastery holds deep religious significance for Orthodox Christians and attracts pilgrims from across the Balkans who come to venerate Saint Simeon and experience the mystical ambiance of this underground sanctuary. Beyond its spiritual importance, Dajbabe represents a fascinating example of cave architecture and offers visitors a glimpse into Montenegro's rich monastic traditions. The site provides a peaceful retreat from modern life, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Montenegrin landscape just a short drive from the capital.

Top Dajbabe Monastery

the Cave Monastery Complex

Venture through the interconnected cave chambers that house chapels, monk cells, and sacred spaces carved directly into the rock. The dimly lit passages create a mystical atmosphere enhanced by flickering candles and ancient frescoes. Each chamber tells part of the monastery's story, from the original hermitage to the expanded complex built over decades.

Booking Tip: Entry is typically free, but donations are welcomed. Visit during daylight hours (usually 8 AM to 6 PM) when monks are available to provide guidance. Bring a small flashlight as some areas are poorly lit, and wear comfortable shoes with good grip for the uneven cave floors.

Saint Simeon's Tomb and Relics

Pay respects at the tomb of Saint Simeon of Dajbabe, the monastery's founder who lived as a hermit in these caves. The saint's preserved body and personal belongings are displayed in a special chamber, drawing Orthodox pilgrims who believe in his miraculous powers. The site offers a profound spiritual experience and insight into Orthodox veneration practices.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required, but be respectful of prayer times and religious services. Photography may be restricted in certain areas - always ask permission first. Consider hiring a local guide for €10-15 to learn about the saint's life and the monastery's history.

Attend Orthodox Religious Services

Experience the unique acoustics and atmosphere of Orthodox liturgy performed within the natural cave setting. The stone walls amplify chanting and prayers, creating an incredibly moving spiritual experience. Services are conducted in Church Slavonic and Serbian, offering insight into centuries-old religious traditions.

Booking Tip: Services typically occur early morning (around 7 AM) and evening (6 PM), with special services on Orthodox holidays. No booking required, but arrive early as space is limited. Dress modestly - long pants and covered shoulders for both men and women, and women should cover their heads.

Photography and Nature Walks

Capture the unique architecture where natural cave formations meet human craftsmanship, and explore the surrounding landscape of rolling hills and Mediterranean vegetation. The exterior offers beautiful views of the monastery entrance built into the hillside. The area provides excellent opportunities for nature photography and peaceful walks.

Booking Tip: Photography inside the monastery may require permission and possibly a small fee (€2-5). Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) provides the best lighting for exterior shots. Respect 'no photography' signs in sacred areas and always ask monks before taking pictures.

Learn About Cave Architecture and History

Discover how the monastery was ingeniously constructed within natural limestone caves, utilizing existing formations while carefully carving additional spaces. The building process spanned several decades and represents a unique fusion of natural geology and human engineering. Understanding the construction challenges and solutions provides fascinating insight into 19th-century building techniques.

Booking Tip: Consider arranging a guided tour through local tour operators in Podgorica for €20-30 per person, which includes transportation and expert commentary. Self-guided visits are free, but informational materials in English may be limited. Visit the small monastery shop for books and pamphlets about the site's history.

Getting There

Dajbabe Monastery is located approximately 5 kilometers southwest of Podgorica, Montenegro's capital city. The most convenient way to reach the monastery is by car or taxi from Podgorica, which takes about 15-20 minutes via local roads. Rental cars are available at Podgorica Airport and in the city center. Public transportation options are limited, but some local buses run toward the general area - check with Podgorica's bus station for current schedules. Many visitors combine the monastery visit with tours from Podgorica or arrange transportation through their accommodation. The final approach involves a short uphill walk from the parking area to the monastery entrance.

Getting Around

The monastery complex itself is explored entirely on foot through the cave system and immediate grounds. The terrain is uneven and can be slippery, so sturdy walking shoes are essential. Most of the monastery is accessible via narrow passages and stone steps carved into the rock. The surrounding area offers walking trails through the countryside, but distances are manageable for most fitness levels. Since the site is relatively compact, plan for 1-3 hours depending on your level of interest in the religious and historical aspects. Having your own transportation provides the most flexibility for exploring the broader region and combining visits to other nearby attractions.

Where to Stay

Podgorica City Center
Prague Podgorica
Preko Morače District
Stara Varoš (Bratislava)
Airport Area Hotels
Countryside Guesthouses near Danilovgrad

Food & Dining

The monastery itself doesn't have dining facilities, so visitors should plan meals in Podgorica before or after their visit. The capital offers a mix of traditional Montenegrin cuisine and international options, from family-run kafanas serving local specialties like njeguški pršut (smoked ham) and kačamak (cornmeal dish) to modern restaurants and cafes. Many establishments serve fresh Montenegro fish, mountain lamb, and locally produced wines and rakija. For a quick meal, numerous bakeries and fast-casual spots offer burek, sandwiches, and coffee. Some tour operators include traditional lunch stops at rural restaurants in the area, providing an authentic taste of Montenegrin hospitality and cuisine.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Podgorica

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Konoba 'Lanterna' Podgorica

4.7 /5
(1668 reviews) 2

Naša priča - Podgorica

4.7 /5
(781 reviews) 2

Diplomat Restoran

4.8 /5
(409 reviews)

Restoran Per Sempre

4.6 /5
(395 reviews) 2

HEMERA Restaurant & Bar

4.7 /5
(305 reviews)

Lupo di Mare

4.7 /5
(300 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The monastery can be visited year-round, but spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most comfortable weather for exploring both the caves and surrounding landscape. Summer months (June-August) can be quite hot, making the cool cave interior a welcome respite, though crowds may be larger. Winter visits are possible but may involve muddy or slippery conditions on the approach paths. Orthodox holidays, particularly those honoring Saint Simeon, draw larger crowds of pilgrims but offer unique cultural experiences. Early morning or late afternoon visits provide the best lighting for photography and a more peaceful atmosphere for contemplation and prayer.

Insider Tips

Bring layers of clothing as the cave interior remains cool year-round while outside temperatures can vary significantly
Learn a few basic Serbian Orthodox customs like crossing yourself properly and understanding when to stand or sit during services
Combine your visit with nearby Ostrog Monastery for a full day of Montenegro's most important religious sites, though this requires a full day and reliable transportation

Activities in Dajbabe Monastery