Tvrdoš Monastery, Trebinje

Tvrdoš Monastery, the oldest working monastery in Herzegovina, on the banks of the Trebišnjica, known for the wine from its own cellar.

Tvrdoš stands on the right bank of the Trebišnjica, five kilometres west of the centre. It was built on the foundations of a 4th-century church and is one of the oldest cultural monuments in Republika Srpska. The church is dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God, and a glass section of the floor reveals the foundations of the ancient church beneath.

In the 16th and 17th centuries the monastery was the seat of the Metropolitanate of Herzegovina (Trebinje). It was destroyed in the Ottoman–Venetian war of 1694, when the monks carried its relics to the monasteries of Savina and Duži. Restoration began in 1955, and in 1992 the hand of Saint Queen Helen of Anjou was returned to Tvrdoš. Saint Basil took his monastic vows here, which is why he is called Basil of Ostrog and Tvrdoš.

The monks keep up a winemaking tradition that goes back to the 15th century, with restored vineyards, an old stone cellar and a modern winery. You can taste the monastery's Vranac and Žilavka and buy a bottle to take home.

Getting there

Five kilometres west of the centre, along the Trebišnjica. It is about ten minutes by car or taxi.

Parking is right next to the monastery. Duži Monastery and Grad Sunca are close by.

• Dress modestly for a monastery visit
• Taste the monastery's Vranac in the cellar
• Combine the visit with Duži Monastery