Our Lady of the Rocks
Gospa od Škrpjela
An artificial islet with a Baroque church of Our Lady.
The islet was built by Perast’s seafarers who for centuries dropped stones around the reef where an icon of the Virgin was found. The Baroque church is decorated with frescoes, paintings by Tripo Kokolja and a rich collection of votive gifts from sailors. It is Boka’s most iconic symbol.
How to Get There
On foot from Perast center ~1-2 min.
From TIV airport (Tivat) by taxi/transfer ~14 min.
From TGD airport (Podgorica) by taxi/transfer ~70 min.
Description
An Artificial Island with an Amazing Story
Our Lady of the Rocks is the only artificial island in the Adriatic Sea, created through the faith and dedication of Perast's inhabitants. According to legend, on July 22, 1452, the Mortešić brothers discovered a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock, which led to the construction of this unique pilgrimage site.
A Miracle Created Over Centuries
How the island was created:
- "Fašinada" tradition - every July 22nd, Perast residents bring stones by boat to expand the island
- Centuries of labor: sunken old ships, Turkish vessels, and thousands of tons of stones
- Current area: approximately 3,000 square meters
A Church-Treasury
The current Church of Our Lady of the Rocks was built by the Venetians in 1630 and is one of the most important historical and cultural monuments of Kotor Bay.
Artistic treasures:
- 68 canvas paintings by famous Tripo Kokolja on walls and ceiling
- Marble altar (1796) by Genoese sculptor Antonio Capelano
- Miraculous icon by Lovro Dobričević (late 15th century)
- Unique tapestry by Jacinta Kunić, embroidered over 25 years (1803-1828) using her own hair
Maritime Traditions and Vows
The church serves as the spiritual center for Boka sailors. The walls display hundreds of silver plaques depicting ships - vows from sailors believing in the Virgin's protection during sea voyages.
Hall of Reconciliation
Opposite the church stands the unique Hall of Reconciliation - a sacred place where feuding parties, families, and even representatives of different faiths have made peace for centuries, renouncing violence and revenge.
Living Tradition of Fašinada
Every July 22nd, the amazing ritual of Fašinada takes place - a festive procession of boats carrying stones to expand the island, accompanied by the singing of ancient songs called bugarštice.
Experience this living miracle where faith, tradition, and human dedication have created one of the Mediterranean's most extraordinary sacred sites.
