Our Lady of the Rocks: Montenegro's Enchanting Maritime Wonder

In the heart of the Bay, lies a small, man-made island steeped in legend and wonder. Our Lady of the Rocks, or Gospa od Škrpjela in the local tongue, is a place of maritime enchantment, a testament to tradition, and a tribute to faith.

The Floating Church: A Creation Born of Necessity

The story of Our Lady of the Rocks begins in the 15th century when two brothers, fishermen from Perast, found an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock jutting out of the bay. It's said that they discovered the icon after a storm that nearly cost them their lives. In gratitude for their safe return, they decided to build a small church on the very spot where the icon was found. They would throw stones into the bay, one by one, after each successful voyage, expanding the island and creating the foundation for the church, one stone at a time.

An Island Born of Seafarers' Devotion

Over centuries, seafarers and locals from Perast continued to contribute, extending the island and its church. It became a place of devotion, where sailors would offer prayers for safe journeys. The tradition continued, even in the face of adversity. When the Venetian Republic attempted to impose a tax on the stones that were being thrown into the bay, the locals would secretly carry rocks in their clothing to maintain the island's growth.

A Church of Maritime Miracles

Our Lady of the Rocks, the church on the island, is a charming baroque-style structure adorned with art and treasures that narrate the maritime history of the region. The church's interior is adorned with stunning works of art, including the famous icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to be a miraculous protector of seafarers.

The Famed Fašinada Festival

Each year on July 22nd, the locals of Perast and the Bay of Kotor gather in a grand procession of boats for the Fašinada festival, a tradition that has been celebrated for centuries. During this event, a custom that commemorates the founding of the island and church, locals throw stones into the bay to strengthen and maintain the island. It's a symbolic gesture that pays homage to their maritime roots and history.

A Journey to the Our Lady of the Rocks

Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks is a journey through time and tradition. To reach the island, you can take a short boat ride from the town of Perast. As you approach the island, you'll witness the  sight of a small structure rising from the bay, a testament to human devotion and faith.

The Old Lady's Legacy

Our Lady of the Rocks is more than just an island and a church; it's a living legend that embodies the maritime spirit of Montenegro. Its history and traditions have endured through generations, reminding us of the profound connection between the people of the Bay of Kotor and the sea. When you visit Our Lady of the Rocks, you not only step onto an island but into a maritime tale that continues to capture the hearts of those who seek her shores. It's a story of faith, tradition, and the enduring spirit of the Adriatic.