Our Lady of the Rocks
TL;DR Our Lady to the Rocks is not here to impress with size. It is here to stay because of its meaning and what it represents. Floating just off the coast of Perast in one of the most beautiful bays in the world – the Bay of Kotor, this small man-made island carries centuries of faith, tradition, and quiet symbolism. It is not loud. It doesn’t try to impress. And that’s exactly why people remember it.
“𝘝𝘰𝘵𝘶𝘮 𝘍𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘵 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘮 𝘈𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘵”
Table of contents
- What Makes Our Lady of the Rocks Special
- The Origin Story: Legend, Faith, and Stone by Stone
- What You’ll See on the Island
- How to Get to Our Lady of the Rocks
- A Few Tips When Visiting
- What Most Visitors Get Wrong
- FAQ
- Conclusion
What Makes Our Lady of the Rocks Special
Unlike the natural islands in the Kotor Bay, Our Lady of the Rocks was created by hand. The creation of the island started in 1452. For centuries, locals from Perast carried the stones by boat and dropped them onto a reef. Not once. Not quickly. Year after year.
And it is not only the stones that created the island. Nearby shipyards of the time helped. More than 100 old, used-up ships were sunk to create what we all know and love – the Lady of the Rocks island.
This wasn’t construction. It was devotion. And as back then, so is today.
Origins Story: Our Lady of the Rocks Lore
According to a documented story, two local fishermen brothers discovered the painting of the Virgin Mary resting on a reef in 1452. After one brother fell ill and was miraculously healed after praying to the icon, the townspeople vowed to honor the Virgin by building a church on the very spot.
Rocks and sinking ships created the island – built on faith and devotion. A living promise that is still renewed each year to this day. On every 22nd of July, a ritual called Fašinada is held where people tie boats together, bringing rocks and throwing them around the island. Sailors still believe Our Lady of the Rocks protects those at sea, making the shire a place of prayer for safe passage, gratitude, and miracles.
What Can You See When Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks
Here are a few things to get you started. Please note that the Island is best experienced with a local guide.
The Church on an Island
Small, calm, and filled with detail. Pay attention to:
- Small silver plates and listen to their story.
- Paintings pinted by local painted, Tripo Kokolja.
- An amazing altar with the actual painting found by fishermen brothers
- A sense of quiet and calm, even if crowded.
Insider Tip: Ask if you can go behind the altar. There is a small crevice at the back of it. Place your hand inside and feel the original stone on which the painting of the Virgin Mary was found.
Islands Museum
Museum on Our Lady of the Rocks adds to the context. There you’ll find:
- Old tools
- Paintings
- Models of Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George’s Islands
- Early Christian cross, found in one of the local houses over 1500 years ago, and the most important and the museum’s most prized possession
- A tapestry done over the period of 25 years by a local lady, Jacinta Kunjic-Mijovic
Jacinta’s story is truly an amazing and inspiring one.
Jacinta spent her life recreating the sacred image while waiting for her husband’s return from the sea, using different silk, gold, and silver threads, he would bring from his voyages. When he never returned, her waiting became her vow, and the embroidery became her life’s work. an offering of devotion, patience, and faith. When precious threads ran out, she wove her own hair into the piece, visible in the angel’s hair as it darkens and slowly turns gray with her age. Nearly blind by the end, she finished the work she would never fully see, now preserved in the museum on the island.
How to Get to Our Lady of the Rocks
You can only get to Our Lady of the Rocks by boat.
- Taxi-boats from Perast
- Boat tours and day trips from Kotor and other towns
A Few Tips When Visiting
- Dress modestly. This is a church, not a photo prop
- Visit earlier in the day to avoid cruise crowds
- Listen before photographing
- Bring cash for boat transfers
- Respect silence
- Do not wear hats inside
Take your time. The island is amazing, and it is in the middle of the bay. Look around. Snap a few photos and enjoy.
What Most Visitors Get Wrong
- They rush the island in 10 minutes
- They treat it as a photo stop
- They don’t hire a guide but want context and stories
- They skip Perast (happens)
- They expect entertainment
Our Lady of the Rocks awards attention, not speed.
FAQ
How much does it cost to visit Our Lady of the Rocks?
Taxi boats can cost up to €10 for a round trip. If you plan on visiting on a boat tour from Kotor, Tivat, or other coastal towns, expect the price to be from €30.
What are the Our Lady of the Rocks Opening Hours?
Our Lady of the Rocks is open daily from 9:00 AM. Closing times may vary depending on season and weather conditions, and boat access can be temporarily suspended during strong winds or rough seas.
What is the best time to visit Our Lady of the Rocks?
The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons, from April to May and September to October, when temperatures are comfortable and crowds are smaller. Early morning visits are recommended during summer to avoid peak cruise-ship hours.
Is there a dress code when visiting the island?
Yes. As an active religious site, visitors must dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered, swimwear is not permitted, and hats should be removed when entering the church.
Are there toilets on Our Lady of the Rocks?
Yes. Public restrooms are available on the island for visitors, located near the church and museum area. The entrance fee is around €1.
Conclusion
Our Lady of the Rocks is more than a photo stop. It’s a place where history, legend, and faith come together in the heart of the Bay of Kotor.
Whether you visit on a short boat ride or as part of a wider bay tour, the island offers a calm, meaningful experience that stays with you long after you leave. If there’s one place in Kotor Bay that deserves your time, Our Lady of the Rocks does.
