Sights · Our pick

Piva Monastery & Piva Lake

Monastery & lake·Plužine, Montenegro

Moved stone by stone

A 16th-century monastery, moved stone by stone with its frescoes, above the turquoise Piva Lake.

About Piva Monastery & Piva Lake

The 16th-century Piva Monastery is, in the national tourist board’s words, Montenegro’s largest picture gallery, and it has travelled: when Piva Lake was created, it was moved stone by stone, with all 1,250 m² of its frescoes, to the site where it stands today. Below, the lake fills the canyon with turquoise water. From Plužine, boat trips and kayaks head out across it, and the area is known for pivski skorup, the rich local cream. Combine the visit with a drive through the tunnels of the Piva canyon.

Our take

  • 16th-century monastery
  • 1,250 m² of frescoes
  • Lake cruises from Plužine
Address
Plužine, the Balkans

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Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Piva Monastery & Piva Lake before you go.

Last checked: October 2026 How we choose

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