Perast, a charming coastal town located along the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, is steeped in history and legends. One of the most famous myths associated with Perast is the legend of the “Our Lady of the Rocks” Here’s the story:

The Legend of Our Lady of the Rocks:

Centuries ago, the inhabitants of Perast were fishermen and sailors who relied on the sea for their livelihoods. According to legend, on July 22, 1452, two local fishermen, brothers Viktor and Grub, were out fishing when they discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child resting on a rock in the bay’s shallow waters.

Interpreting this discovery as a divine sign, the people of Perast began a tradition. Every year, on July 22nd, they would throw stones into the sea at this spot, gradually creating an artificial island. Over time, this tradition evolved into a more elaborate custom where locals would take a boat to the island and drop stones, old ships, and even sunken ships filled with rocks into the bay to expand the island.

Eventually, a small church, the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela), was built on the island. The church is adorned with a stunning collection of religious art, including frescoes and silver votive tablets, donated by sailors and their families over the centuries as tokens of gratitude for safe voyages.

Today, the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks is a popular pilgrimage site, and the tradition of throwing stones into the bay continues during a yearly event called the “Fasinada,” which takes place on July 22nd. Locals decorate their boats and, in a symbolic gesture, continue to add rocks to the underwater foundation of the island.

The legend of Our Lady of the Rocks not only adds to the mystique of Perast but also reflects the deep spiritual and maritime traditions of this historic coastal town. It’s a testament to the enduring cultural and religious significance of the bay and its role in the lives of the people of Perast.