Case file · Apparition / miracle
The relics of Saint Basil of Ostrog
Saint Basil of Ostrog died in 1671 in the cliff monastery he founded in Montenegro, and his incorrupt relics became famous for healings sought by Orthodox, Catholic and Muslim pilgrims alike.
1671 CE · 42.67, 19.03 · status: legend
The account
The monastery is built into a near-vertical rock face 900 m above the Bjelopavlići plain. A vine growing out of the bare rock is called miraculous. Up to a million people visit a year, many sleeping on the terrace before venerating the saint.
The sceptical view
Healing claims are anecdotal; incorruptibility of relics can result from dry, cool conditions.