See full version: Our Lady of the Rocks
Perast is among a few well-preserved medieval cities winding around the Bay of Kotor. Spectacular roads stitch together the towns and inlets of the bay, or “Boka.” Yet despite the region’s bounty of spectacles, Perast’s most famous landmark is this artificial islet, with a curious history, surrounded as much by legend as it is by water.
Lore has it that in the mid-fifteenth century two brothers, both seamen (one with a badly injured leg), discovered an icon of the Madonna and Child on a pile of rocks. They took it home, and the ailing brother’s leg miraculously healed overnight. The next day they returned the Madonna and sailed away, swearing an oath to honor her.
Over time, Gospa od Škrpjela, or Our Lady of the Rocks, thus came into being, and a tiny Orthodox chapel was built upon it to protect the statue. In 1600 the Venetians overtook the region and built a Catholic chapel to replace the original, while bolstering the islet with sunken or seized ships loaded with rocks.
Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Skrpjela) here
Perched on one of two small islands in the Bay of Kotor, just off the coast of Perast, the 17th-century Our Lady of the Rocks church is a majestic sight. Framed by mountain peaks and cobalt blue waters, the church appears to float on the water’s surface, and has fast become one of Montenegro’s most photographed landmarks.
Perched on one of two small islands in the Bay of Kotor, just off the coast of Perast, the 17th-century Our Lady of the Rocks church is a majestic sight. Framed by mountain peaks and cobalt blue waters, the church appears to float on the water’s surface, and has fast become one of Montenegro’s most photographed landmarks.
08:00 – 08:30 Drive to Perast more
Kotor is a historic town of sailors and traders positioned between dramatic peaks and sparkling waters. The Old Town boasts medieval architecture and monuments of cultural significance, all contained within the walls of an imposing fortress.
08:45 – 09:30 Visit Our Lady of the Rocks church and museum here
Discover the best of this UNSECO Natural and Culturo-Historical Region with this private half-day tour. Sail to Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial island across Perast built during the 15th century. Visit the chapel that was erected after sailors found a painting of Our Lady then enter the museum to discover the fascinating history and Fasinada, the local custom that expands the island each year.
- Land drive back to Kotor old town [links]
*All prices are per person, including tax! Let us know if you have children in the group!
- Boat ride to the island Our Lady of the Rocks [links]
Since 1979 the the old town of Kotor is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List which guarantees you will really enjoy one of the unique towns in the world. here
- Panoramic drive by Boka bay to the town of Perast here
After visiting the town of Perast, we return to visit the old town of Kotor. more