Our Lady of the Rocks

This is one of the most recognizable churches in Montenegro, located on an artificial island in the Bay of Kotor, opposite the town of Perast. The island was created in the 15th century: according to legend, after sailors discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary on a reef, they began throwing stones into the sea and sinking old ships to gradually form the island. The present church was built in the 17th century and has become a symbol of the bay.

How to Get There

The island can only be reached by water — boats regularly depart from the Perast waterfront. The crossing takes about 5–10 minutes. Tickets can be purchased directly from local boat operators or through tourist agencies. The visit can easily be combined with a walk through Perast.

Opening Hours

The church and museum are open daily to visitors, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in summer and until 4:00–5:00 p.m. in the off-season. Admission is ticketed.

What to See

The main relic is the icon of the Virgin Mary associated with the legend of the island’s founding. Inside, there are more than 60 paintings from the 17th–18th centuries, including works by the artist Tripo Kokolja. Special attention is drawn to the hand-embroidered icon of the Virgin Mary, created by a woman who waited for her sailor husband to return.

The island also offers panoramic views of Perast and the mountains surrounding the bay.

Main Events

Every year on July 22, a traditional event takes place: the residents of Perast approach the island by boat and throw stones into the water, continuing the centuries-old tradition of reinforcing the island’s foundation. It is one of the most atmospheric summer events in the Bay of Kotor.

The Church of Our Lady of the Rocks is not a monastery but an active church and museum. Nevertheless, it holds a special place in the cultural and historical heritage of Montenegro and is often included in travel routes around the Bay of Kotor.