The crown jewel of the Bay of Kotor rests on the beautiful islet of Our Lady of the Rocks. The only man-made island in the Bay, Our Lady of the Rocks was so dubbed by two fishermen after they found an icon of St. Mary chiseled on the side of a rock. From then on, to honour St. Mary, local sailors and fishermen made a vow to throw rocks where the Lady had been found. The rocks soon grew into an island, which became home to Our Lady of the Rocks Church during the 15th century. Inside the church, you’ll be able to view various paintings by renown painter Tripo Kokolja, a Kotor native regarded as a master of his craft. You’ll also be able to view the Icon of Our Lady of the Rocks, one of the many wonders you’ll find in these fairytale parts.
Once you are done touring the island, you’ll find yourself back on shore, walking down the cobblestone paths of a fishing village frozen in time. Baroque palaces surround the village on all sides, stretching into the mountainous landscape above. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the cliffs above the waves, darkened only by the black forest for which Montenegro got its name. This captivating contrast, sure to stay with you long after the tour, has previously inspired authors across the centuries. One such author, Lord Byron, once wrote that he believed, “At the birth of the planet, the most beautiful encounter between land and sea must have been on the Montenegrin coast.”
The town of Perast will greet you with open arms. Its idyllic atmosphere is enhanced by its Baroque architecture. Try to look for the palaces across town, each one owned by an important captain in Montenegro’s illustrious navy. If you are a fan of history, you can browse through the maritime Perast Museum. If not, then you can do what all Mediterraneans adore to: drink coffee right beside the sea!
After the tour finishes, you’ll head straight back to Kotor, and memories of this fantastic trip will stay close to your hearts.
Your trip to Montenegro will be incomplete without this experience. So, don’t miss out on an opportunity to book now and save yourself a seat for a truly special treat.