Our Lady of the Rocks
A stunning artificial island in the Bay of Kotor, home to a 17th-century church steeped in legend and maritime history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Our Lady of the Rocks
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning artificial island in the Bay of Kotor, home to a 17th-century church steeped in legend and maritime history.
"This stunning church feels like something out of a fairytale, a must-visit in Montenegro!"
Boat from Perast
Take a short, scenic boat ride from Perast to the island. It's a quick trip and offers great views! :boat:
Modest Dress Code
Remember to dress respectfully for the church. Shoulders and knees should be covered. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Church of Our Lady of the Rocks
On the island
A stunning 17th-century church adorned with intricate frescoes and a rich collection of votive offerings.
The Artificial Island
Bay of Kotor
Witness the unique man-made islet, built over centuries by local seamen adding rocks after each successful voyage.
The Museum
Within the church complex
Explore a small but fascinating museum showcasing maritime artifacts and the island's legendary origins.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Access is Key
Respect the Sacred Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat from Perast
Take a short, scenic boat ride from Perast to the island. It's a quick trip and offers great views! :boat:
Modest Dress Code
Remember to dress respectfully for the church. Shoulders and knees should be covered. :pray:
Cash for Entry
Bring cash for the boat ride and church entrance fee. ATMs are not readily available on the island. :moneybag:
Early Bird Gets Peace
Visit early in the morning on a weekday to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. :sunrise:
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat from Perast
Take a short, scenic boat ride from Perast to the island. It's a quick trip and offers great views! :boat:
Modest Dress Code
Remember to dress respectfully for the church. Shoulders and knees should be covered. :pray:
Cash for Entry
Bring cash for the boat ride and church entrance fee. ATMs are not readily available on the island. :moneybag:
Early Bird Gets Peace
Visit early in the morning on a weekday to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. :sunrise:
Capture the Views
The panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor from the island are spectacular. Don't forget your camera! :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Our Lady of the Rocks as a breathtaking and unique highlight of Montenegro, often describing it as fairytale-like. The scenic boat ride and the island's historical significance are major draws, though some find the entrance fees for the church a bit steep for the size of the site.
"Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks was an absolute highlight of my trip to Montenegro! Perched gracefully on its tiny man-made island in the Bay of Kotor, this stunning church feels like something out of a fairytale. The boat ride over is breathtaking, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and sparkling Adriatic waters, and then suddenly the island appears—small, serene, and steeped in history.
The church itself is a gem, adorned with beautiful frescoes, intricate paintings, and an atmosphere that radiates peace and devotion. Every corner tells a story, from the legend of the seamen who created the island stone by stone, to the centuries of faith preserved within its walls. The museum attached is small but fascinating, housing a rich collection of artifacts and votive offerings left by sailors.
What struck me most was the sense of harmony between the island, the church, and the surrounding nature—it feels like a sacred meeting point between humanity and the sea. Whether you’re religious, a history lover, or simply someone seeking beauty and tranquility, Our Lady of the Rocks is a must-visit."
vello pop
"I wouldn't give anything different than 5 stars for this location.
It's a small picturesque island, easily accessible by boat from Perast (5 EUR per person, two way ticket, the boat is available every 10 minutes).
The Church has a fee, 3 EUR per person. It's small but beautiful, has a museum inside and you can learn some history for the area.
And the views from the island are more than spectacular.
The place is a must visit if you plan to go to Montenegro."
Violina Pesheva
"According to the legend, local seamen found an icon of Madonna and child on a rock sticking out of the sea way back in the 15h century. Thinking it a miracle, they started to slowly bring rocks to create this artificial island upon which a Catholic church was eventually erected. Even today there is an event called фашинада/fašinada whereby locals bring more rocks to drop into the sea and, thus, expand the island further.
A fascinated story, and indeed, the church and the island are undeniably beautiful, a true pearl of the sea so to say.
However, lamentably, it is precisely this sublime beauty that attracts and uncomfortable amount of people to the island, which renders visiting this place a bit less pleasant than it would be otherwise.
Also, to enter the church itself requires paying as well, which is not something I can subscribe to, but if you're willing, make sure to have some cash at the ready if you want to get inside."
Nikola Radovanović
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Our Lady of the Rocks is by taking a short boat ride from the town of Perast. Boats depart frequently and the journey is only about five minutes. You can also find tours that depart from Kotor, but the Perast option is more direct and often more affordable.
Yes, some visitors have kayaked to the island and reported being able to leave their kayaks safely. This offers a unique and active way to experience the bay.
Perast is easily accessible by car or bus from major Montenegrin cities like Kotor and Budva. Parking can be limited in Perast, especially during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, many tour operators offer boat trips to Our Lady of the Rocks, often combined with visits to other attractions in the Bay of Kotor. These tours typically depart from Kotor or Perast.
The boat ride from Perast to Our Lady of the Rocks is very short, usually only about 5 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a fee for the boat ride to the island, typically around 5 EUR per person for a round trip from Perast. Additionally, there is a separate entrance fee of approximately 3 EUR per person to enter the church and museum.
Tickets for the boat ride are usually purchased directly from the boat operators at the Perast waterfront. The church entrance fee is paid upon arrival. It's advisable to have cash on hand.
The church and museum are generally open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check locally or with your boat tour operator for the most up-to-date information.
While the boat ride takes you to the island, the primary fees are for the boat transport and then for entry into the church and museum complex.
While you can see the island from a distance for free, to land on the island and enter the church and museum, there are associated fees for the boat and admission.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions are the beautiful 17th-century church with its stunning frescoes and a small museum showcasing maritime history and local legends. The island itself offers picturesque views of the Bay of Kotor.
Most visitors find that 1-2 hours is sufficient to explore the church, museum, and enjoy the views. It's a small site, so you'll see everything relatively quickly.
Absolutely! The island, church, and surrounding bay provide incredibly scenic photo opportunities. Drone shots are also popular for capturing the unique perspective.
Legend has it that local seamen began building the islet by throwing rocks into the sea after each successful voyage, and later discovered an icon of the Madonna and Child on a rock, leading to the construction of the church.
Yes, Our Lady of the Rocks is a popular and picturesque venue for weddings, adding to its romantic allure.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire island offers stunning views. Capture the church from the water as you approach, the intricate details of the church interior, and the panoramic vistas of the Bay of Kotor from the island's edge. 
Drone photography is popular and can offer incredible aerial perspectives of the island and bay. However, always check local regulations regarding drone usage before flying.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric glow. The golden hour can be particularly magical.
Generally, photography is allowed inside the church, but it's always respectful to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography if it might be disruptive.
Focus on capturing the unique man-made island, the charming church architecture, the serene bay, and the historical artifacts within the museum. Wide-angle shots of the bay and close-ups of the art are great.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once on the island, the story of how it was built by sailors can spark their imagination. The church and museum, while small, contain interesting artifacts that can capture their attention for a short while. Keep in mind that the church is a place of worship, so encourage children to be respectful and quiet inside. The island is small, so it's manageable for little legs, but supervision is always recommended. Visiting in the morning can help avoid the hottest part of the day and larger crowds, making the experience more comfortable for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, consider packing your own snacks and water, as options on the small island are limited and can be pricier. If you're traveling from further afield like Kotor, look for shared boat tours or local bus options to Perast to keep transportation costs down.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 Early morning or late afternoon light provides the best conditions for capturing the serene beauty of the location. Consider using a drone for breathtaking aerial shots that showcase the island's isolation and beauty.
Don't forget to capture the intricate details of the church's interior, the historical artifacts in the museum, and the panoramic views from the island's edge. The legend of its creation also provides a compelling narrative for visual storytelling. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Island's Creation
+1This continuous act of adding stones evolved into a significant ritual. The legend states that on July 22, 1452, two brothers found an icon of the Madonna and Child on a rock in the sea. They took it to their village, but it miraculously returned to the rock. This event solidified the belief in the sacredness of the site, leading to the construction of the first church. The tradition of adding stones continues to this day with an annual festival called Fasinada.
This deep-rooted tradition highlights the strong connection between the local community, their maritime heritage, and their faith. The island stands as a testament to centuries of collective effort and spiritual belief, making it more than just a picturesque landmark but a living piece of history.
Exploring the Church and Museum
+1Adjacent to the church is a small but historically rich museum. This museum houses a fascinating collection of artifacts, including ancient maritime instruments, traditional clothing, and more votive offerings left by sailors over the centuries. One of the most prized exhibits is a tapestry woven by a local woman, said to have been made with her own hair, depicting the island's history.
Visiting the church and museum offers a profound glimpse into the faith and traditions of the people of the Bay of Kotor. It’s a place where history, art, and spirituality converge, providing a serene and insightful experience for all visitors.
The Fasinada Festival
This festival is not just about the physical act of adding stones; it's a vibrant cultural event that reinforces community bonds and preserves the historical narrative of the island. It's a living testament to the faith and maritime heritage that shaped this extraordinary place.
For travelers interested in experiencing authentic Montenegrin traditions, witnessing the Fasinada festival offers a rare and memorable opportunity to connect with the island's living history and the spirit of its people.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit