Dajbaba Monastery (dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) is one of the most famous and specific monasteries in Montenegro, and it is located not far from Podgorica, on the slopes of Dajbaba Mountain.
Here is what makes this monastery special:
Desert in a cave: The main monastery church is unique in that it is located underground — it is located in a natural cave system that has the shape of a cross. That is why it is often called the "underground monastery".
Founder and history: The monastery was founded at the end of the 19th century (in 1897) by Saint Simeon Dajbabski (Simeon Popović). According to tradition, a saint appeared to the local shepherd Petko Cvetković at that place, after which Father Simeon began the arrangement of the cave in the place of worship.
Unique painting: The interior of the cave walls was painted by Saint Simeon Dajbabski himself, adapting the frescoes to the natural rock forms and vaults of the cave, which gives the church a special, mystical look.
Saint's Relics: The monastery preserves the incorruptible relics of Saint Simeon Dajbabski, who was canonized as a saint and whose life attracts a large number of pilgrims and believers.
External appearance: Above the entrance to the cave church, an external entrance with two distinctive bell towers was built, while the residential quarters are located in the spacious monastery gate surrounded by greenery.
