Eight Centuries of Monastic Life
Savina Monastery sits on a wooded hillside two kilometres east of Herceg Novi centre, overlooking the bay through a canopy of Mediterranean cypress and pine. The monastery complex comprises two churches — the Small Church of the Assumption dating from the 11th century and the larger Great Church built in the 18th century in a Baroque style that reflects the Venetian influence on this coast. The community has maintained continuous monastic life since the medieval period, making it one of the oldest active monasteries on the Adriatic.
The monastery treasury contains a remarkable collection of icons, manuscripts, and liturgical objects. The most significant piece is a 12th-century icon of the Virgin Savina, attributed to Saint Luke according to monastery tradition. The treasury also holds illuminated manuscripts, gold and silver chalices, and vestments embroidered with Venetian and Ottoman motifs. Access to the treasury is usually available on request — speak to the monk at the entrance or the caretaker at the gate.
Getting There by Car
From Herceg Novi centre follow the signs for Savina uphill through the Topla neighbourhood. The road climbs gently through residential streets before opening onto the monastery approach, lined with tall cypress trees. There is a small car park at the monastery gate. The drive takes approximately five minutes from the waterfront, or you can walk the stone staircases uphill from the old town in about twenty minutes. From the monastery car park you can continue driving uphill into the backroads of upper Herceg Novi.
The Monastery Grounds
The gardens surrounding the monastery are among the most peaceful spots in Herceg Novi. Ancient cypress trees, orange groves, and oleander hedges frame views across the bay toward Tivat and the Vrmac ridge. The Great Church has a richly decorated interior with gilt iconostasis panels and painted ceilings. Services are held in Church Slavonic and visitors are welcome to attend — sit quietly in the nave and observe. The monastery grounds are free to visit and there is no entry fee. A modest donation is appreciated and can be left in the box near the entrance.
The Backroads Above Savina
Beyond the monastery the road continues uphill through the upper neighbourhoods of Herceg Novi — a network of narrow lanes connecting scattered hamlets, olive groves, and abandoned stone farmhouses. These backroads are rarely driven by visitors and offer a completely different perspective on the area. The views become increasingly dramatic as you climb — the entire bay entrance opens up below, from Mamula Island to the Prevlaka cape. The road surface varies from smooth tarmac to rough concrete but is passable in any car. Eventually the lanes connect to the main road above Mojdez and the olive-growing villages — see our guide to olive oil tasting in the hills.
The Best Viewpoints
Three viewpoints along the backroads are worth stopping for. The first is directly above the monastery, where a small pull-off area gives a framed view of the bay through cypress trees. The second is near the village of Podi, where the road bends and the full sweep of the bay entrance — Mamula, Lustica, the open sea — appears below. The third is at the highest point of the road, where the Orjen mountain looms behind you and the bay stretches away into haze. For a different perspective on the fortifications visible from here, see our guide to the three fortresses walk.
Practical Tips
- Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting the monastery interior. Scarves are available at the gate.
- Best time: Morning for the softest light in the gardens. Late afternoon for golden bay views from the backroads.
- Parking: Small car park at the monastery gate. Free. Space for roughly ten cars.
- Combine with: Savina in the morning, olive tastings in the hills at midday, then down to the waterfront for lunch.