Savina Monastery | Herceg Novi

The Savina Monastery (Manastir Savina) is a Serbian Orthodox complex located 2 km east of the center of Herceg Novi. It is situated on a lush, forested hillside overlooking the entrance to the Bay of Kotor and is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in the Adriatic.

Visual Characteristics

The complex consists of three churches: the Small Church of the Assumption, the Great Church of the Assumption, and the Church of St. Sava, located on a higher slope.

The Great Church: Built in the 18th century (1777–1799) from Korčula stone, it is a masterpiece of Baroque style with a tall bell tower and an ornate iconostasis created by master Simeon Lazović.

The Small Church: A 15th-century structure featuring Gothic elements and rare 16th-century frescoes.

Landscape: The monastery is surrounded by dense Mediterranean gardens and a centuries-old oak and pine forest known as the Savina Grove.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Manastirska, Herceg Novi.

Access: Reachable via a 20-minute walk along the coastline from the Old Town or by car via the Meljine road.

Entry: Admission is free; however, donations are common. Modest dress (covered shoulders and knees) is required.

Hours: Generally open 08:00–18:00 daily.

Historical & Spiritual Origin

Tradition dates the site to the 11th century, though the oldest physical structures are from the 15th century. It is named after Saint Sava, the first Archbishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church, who allegedly consecrated the original small church. Throughout history, the monastery served as a vital spiritual and educational center for the Orthodox population during various foreign occupations.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Savina Treasury: A museum containing significant artifacts, including the Crystal Cross of St. Sava (13th century), silver liturgical items, and a rare collection of hand-written gospels.

Miraculous Icon: The Great Church houses the Icon of the Mother of God of Savina, believed by the faithful to possess healing powers.

Vineyards: The monks maintain a long tradition of winemaking. The "Savina Winery" (located adjacent to the complex) produces high-quality wines that can be tasted nearby.

The Viewpoint: The terrace of the Church of St. Sava offers a panoramic view of the Bay of Kotor and the Luštica Peninsula.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Monastery Shop: Sells icons, incense, candles, and monastery-made products like wine, olive oil, and honey.

Connectivity: 4G/5G signals are excellent throughout the grounds.

Parking: Limited parking is available near the monastery gates.

Best Time to Visit

Morning (08:00–10:00): For spiritual quietude and the best light for the white stone of the Great Church.

August 28th: The feast of the Assumption (Velika Gospojina), which is the monastery’s Slava, attracting thousands of pilgrims and featuring grand liturgical celebrations.

Facts & Legends

According to local lore, in the late 18th century, a Venetian naval commander ordered the bombardment of the monastery. Legend says the monks prayed before the icon of the Mother of God, and a sudden thunderbolt struck the Venetian ship, saving the complex from destruction.

Nearby Landmarks

Savinska Dubrava (Park Forest): Surrounding the complex.

Meljine: 1km East

Herceg Novi Old Town: 2km West

Kanli Kula: 2.5km West