perast
Perast

Perast is a sleepy baroque town full of ancient beauty. The most beautiful buildings of this small city were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. At that time seafaring was growing and captains built magnificent villas that even today capture you with their beauty. Perast is a quiet and peaceful place. It abounds in sacred monuments, such as the Church St. Nikola built between the 15th and 17th centuries. One of the main attractions in Perast is St. Nicholas Church which is situated on the main square, a single nave structure, with its apse facing southeast. The present church was built in 1616, although it is said to have replaced an earlier church dating from 1564. Behind the 17th century church of St. Nicholas, on the northeastern side, a new, more ambitious church was begun under the Venetian architect, Giuseppe Beati, but only its apse and sacristies were completed. Perast’s most famous landmarks aren’t on land at all: two peculiarly picturesque islands with equally peculiar histories (Island of Saint George & Our Lady of the Rocks)

Perast
Lady of the Rocks
The floating church of Montenegro

The hidden fairy-tale island of Our Lady of the Rocks is unique in the world for its history and beauty. Located in the heart of Boka Bay, standing proudly opposite Old Town of Perast, the astonishing island is globally famous for its surreal beauty and legendary origin.

“Škrpjel” is the old name for a sea island, reef – cliff – a stingy gift of nature around which the people of Perast have helped nature for centuries to create what it is today.

The origin legend

There is a legend that the islet was created over the centuries by local seamen who kept an ancient oath after finding an icon of the Madonna and Child on a rock in the sea on July 22, 1452. Upon returning from each successful voyage, they laid another rock in the Bay. Over time, the island gradually emerged from the sea. 

The people of Perast understood that as a sign from heaven and vowed to build a church in honor of the Mother of God in that place. People started throwing stones around the reef. Other sailors also began to drop rocks on the reef as they headed out to sea, in hopes of being protected while they were away. Locals also deliberately used the spot around the reef to sink old boats no longer used, in order to help form the foundation of the island.  Thirty years after they found the icon, there was an island with a chapel on it. They managed to snatch about 3000 square meters from the sea, make an island and build a church on it.

Even today the custom of throwing rocks into the sea is still alive. 

The church

Perast

The Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rocks is the largest building on the islet. Attached to the chapel is a small museum.  The church was built in 1630. It is believed that the church helps sailors in dangerous voyages. 

The fascinating center altar made of Carrera marble, sculpted by famous Genovese artist Antonio Capelano also hides a legend of its own. It is said that by putting your hand on the Madonna rock that’s behind the altar, the Holy Mother will grant you a wish.

If you’re lucky enough to visit here on July 22, you can witness Fašcinada. This is a celebration where locals decorate their boats with flowers, and sail out at sunset to the island and throw rocks into the waters. So, 600 years after those sailors saw that magical rock, the people of Montenegro are making sure “Our Lady” stays afloat.

Amenities

Entrance to the church and museum requires a ticket which you can buy on location. Visitors can get a guided tour through both church and museum that takes about 30 minutes. This is enough time to hear all about the island origin legend, history, culture, and artifacts displayed in the church.  Also, on the island, you will find a small souvenir shop where you can buy an item to carry home and always remember this place.

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