Nestled just a stone’s throw away from Kotor, the quaint old town of Perast beckons travelers with its charm, historic allure, and the captivating tales of the Islets of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks. Join me on a journey to explore the treasures hidden within the bay, where every cobblestone whispers stories of ancient seamen, sacred oaths, and a tapestry woven with love and devotion.

Our Lady of the Rocks: A Rock-Born Testament:

A jewel in the bay, Our Lady of the Rocks, stands proudly as an artificial island, born from the dedication of local seamen. Over the centuries, a sacred oath compelled these mariners to add a rock to the bay upon their return from sea voyages. Today, visitors still partake in this ancient tradition, tossing rocks into the sea as a custom. The church on the islet, renovated in 1722, houses 68 paintings by renowned 17th-century baroque artists from Perast.

The heart of the islet beats in rhythm with the tale of Jacinta, a local legend who embroidered one of the most notable tapestries in the church. It took her 25 years, weaving golden and silver fibers along with her own hair, while awaiting her husband’s return from a perilous journey. Tragically, she lost her sight, yet her tapestry remains a testament to enduring love and artistic brilliance.

St. George Islet: A Monastery and Nature’s Haven:

Adjacent to Our Lady of the Rocks, St. George Islet unfolds as a natural island, home to a 12th-century Benedictine monastery and a well-preserved old graveyard. Echoing the inspiration of the renowned painting “Isle of the Dead,” this islet breathes tranquility and spiritual resonance.

Conclusion:

Perast, with its Islets of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks, is a destination suspended in time, where legends intertwine with the shimmering waters of the bay. The customs of ancient seamen and the devotion of a blind embroiderer weave a tapestry of cultural richness, drawing visitors into the embrace of centuries-old oaths and sacred heritage. As you stroll through the cobblestone streets and gaze upon the islets, Perast invites you to partake in its timeless symphony, where each rock in the bay and every stitch in the tapestry tells a story that lingers in the soul long after the visit concludes.

As the sun painted the Adriatic sky with hues of orange and pink, my journey unfolded into the serene haven of Perast. A boat awaited, promising a voyage to the enchanting islet of Our Lady of the Rocks. Join me as I share the tranquil moments spent in the embrace of Perast’s timeless beauty.

A Boat Ride to Sacred Waters:

Stepping onto the boat, the rhythmic lull of the waves guided us to the sacred islet. Our Lady of the Rocks emerged, a beacon of beauty amidst the glistening waters. The church, adorned with history and serenity, welcomed us into its hallowed halls.

Inside, the gracious hostess of the church shared tales of the notable paintings that adorned the walls, each stroke echoing stories of devotion and faith. In the museum, history unfolded through artifacts and artifacts, weaving a tapestry of cultural richness. After a moment of prayer, we left the islet, carrying the tranquility of the sacred space with us.

Unexpected Moments and Warm Welcome:

Amidst the charm of Perast, a detour for ice cream beckoned. Lost in the sweetness of the moment, I found myself alone, my travel companions seemingly vanished. A wander through the picturesque streets revealed my bus awaiting my return, accompanied by a round of applause from my fellow travelers. The warmth of their welcome embraced me, a testament to the camaraderie forged during our Montenegro adventure.

Back to Dubrovnik, A Farewell to Perast:

The sun dipped below the horizon as we journeyed back to Dubrovnik, the city lights flickering to life like stars in the night sky. The following morning marked my departure, a flight to Helsinki awaiting. As the wheels left the Dubrovnik runway, my heart lingered in the tranquil waters of Perast, a timeless gem etched in the pages of my journey.

Conclusion:

Perast’s islet of Our Lady of the Rocks is not just a destination; it’s a sanctuary of peace and history. From boat rides to museum stories, unexpected detours, and warm welcomes, every moment in Perast added a stroke to the canvas of my travel memories. As I boarded the flight to Helsinki, Perast’s charm lingered, a reminder that even the briefest encounters leave an indelible mark on the soul. My journey continued, but the tranquility of Perast sailed with me into the next chapter of exploration.