#bayofkotor

[traveltalk-01]

The Unbelievable Story Behind Montenegro's Floating Church on the Sea!

In the stunning Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, sits the enchanting Our Lady of the Rocks Church, perched on a tiny man-made islet. This unique site isn't just a picturesque stop on the Adriatic—it's steeped in legend and a testament to faith and perseverance. But what’s the story behind this floating marvel?

A Legend Born from the Sea

The tale begins in 1452 when two local fishermen found an icon of the Virgin Mary and Child on a rock in the bay. Believing it to be a divine sign, they vowed to build a church on that very spot. But there was no land—only the sea. Undeterred, the people of nearby Perast began an extraordinary project: they created an islet by sinking old ships filled with rocks and by piling stones into the bay. This practice, known as "fašinada," became an annual event, continuing to this day as locals add rocks to the islet to keep it from eroding.

Building a Church on Faith

The original church was completed in 1630, dedicated to Our Lady of the Rocks. Over the centuries, it has been expanded and adorned with intricate artwork, including a stunning collection of 68 votive tablets. Each piece of art inside the church tells stories of gratitude, hope, and survival, reflecting the deep connection between the locals and their faith.

Visiting Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon offers serene views and fewer crowds.

Getting There: Take a short boat ride from Perast to reach the islet.

Photography: Capture the church from the water for a breathtaking perspective.

To learn more about the miraculous origins of Our Lady of the Rocks and the annual fašinada, check out this informative YouTube video: Watch Now.

Conclusion

Our Lady of the Rocks Church is not just a religious site; it’s a symbol of enduring faith and communal effort. This floating islet, born from the sea and maintained by centuries of tradition, offers a unique glimpse into Montenegro’s rich history and the deep devotion of its people.

[davidstanleytravel]

The city of Kotor, Montenegro, is in a trench at the end of the Bay of Kotor off the Adriatic.

[theottomantraveler]

The city of Kotor sits in the bay that holds the same name. It has been ruled for long periods by the venetians. The Ottomans never really were able to conquer it. it is a small but packed city with an awesome view of the bay.

[photos-on-the-road]

Waiting for the sun to set

[t3e]

Spirals #svetidorde#montenegro🇲🇪 #bayofkotor#bayofkotormontenegro https://www.instagram.com/p/CiDvJQUqDT6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[vhterziev]

In the Bay of Kotor 🇲🇪 #montenegro #bayofkotor #ourladyoftherocks #perast #travelphotography #iphoneography #16x9 (at Our Lady of the Rocks) https://www.instagram.com/p/BorJyUQnBm7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=wqvdqqch4u30

[ludwigvb]

#perast #bayofkotor #bocadicattaro #montenegro #architecrure #summer #travel #nofear #thegoodlife (at Perast) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRo_Bt5sCBR/?utm_medium=tumblr

[theshadesandscarf]

The Bay of Kotor was more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. The town revealed itself in all her splendor. Glistening under the midday rays, the bay stretched around precipitous black peaks and jagged shoreline, lined with red roofs and stone churches. Read the full part one of the Montenegro adventure 👆🏼link on Bio. #followushi #traveldiaries #bayofkotor #Montenegro (at Kotor, Montenegro)

[chiki-pibarum]

Best lunch in Boka bay with our friends @vkotore 💙 . . . #lunch #lunchtime #oysters #montenegro #visitmontenegro #insta_montenegro #vkotore #lifestylemontenegro #waytomontenegro #crnagora #mojacrnagora #travel #traveler #travelblog #travelgram #traveling #bokabay #bayofkotor (at Drazin Vrt)

[davidstanleytravel]

Two small islands lie in the Bay of Kotor off Perast, Montenegro. Our Lady of the Rocks is on the left while the Benedictine monastery of Saint George is on the right.

[lizzy-87-35]

Reposted from @thegobetween For just a couple of minutes, really not more than two or three, during the early morning hours, the sun is not yet up, but shines from behind the Lovcen mountains, giving them an orange glow. Yesterday I woke up at 5:50am, climbed a tree behind the house and waited for this exact moment.⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣#bayofkotor #kotor #sunrise #kotorbay #lusticabay #downinmontenegro #zabrdje #montenegro #crnagora - #regrann https://www.instagram.com/p/CA9cZdIhTsz/?igshid=la5wu5qp9hrm

[tarmo888]

#epic #supboarding on #bayofkotor #montenegro🇲🇪 (at Bay of Kotor) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4IXekzJhYt/?igshid=1gdkps6dpawht

[olaklamut]

elements

[thetravelquandary]

Tripophobia (n.) the fear of not having any travel trips currently booked 🧳✈️🏃🏻‍♀️ • • . . . . . . . #Kotor #gomontenegro #womentravel #womenwhoexplore #shetravelz #ig_europa #igerseurope #europe_vacations #bayofkotor #explorerbabes #nowdiscovering #tlpicks #culturetrip #doyoutravel #distractionsandinspiration #seetheworld (at Kotor, Montenegro) https://www.instagram.com/p/B18jWhkBIlz/?igshid=1sw2jvcrbitf5

[t3e]

Sveti Đorđe, Bay of Kotor, Montenegro Visita #svetidorde#montenegro🇲🇪 #bayofkotor#bayofkotormontenegro (presso Sveti Đorđe) https://www.instagram.com/p/CiDu4FIqu3V/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[zhoooouyc]

Some locals told me there’s a free way to get on top of the fortress instead of paying €8. In order to not burn in the sun, I decided to set off early. So I started climbing slightly before 8am and it took me 40 mins to walk all the zigzags to reach to the point I have to climb a ladder to get into the castle (pic 2) (I know right? 😂😂) to have an amazing view of Bay of Kotor (pic 4) and only to find out that there’s no guard on the entrance before 8am with a nicely paved stairs to climb up (pic 5). I guess one only learns from her mistakes isn’t it? 😂😂😂 Though to my defense, the paved way is way more steep than the zigzag. Took me another good 40 mins to come down and my legs are so wobbly. Can’t even walk the last part to come back to the town, have to hold on every single object that I can grab to help me walking 😂😂 #kotor #kotorcastle #montenegro #bayofkotor (at St. John Fortress Kotor, Montenegro) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0afBEkHnVmh_kniXqSVZlZqqzq1hpTgSkoK1o0/?igshid=vmfq17dnvu21