Perast: Discover the hidden gem of Montenegro on the Adriatic!

Perast: Discover the hidden gem of Montenegro on the Adriatic!

In recent years, Montenegro has established itself as an insider tip for travelers who want to discover the beauty of the Adriatic. The excellent infrastructure allows holidaymakers to travel from the mountainous north to the picturesque Adriatic coast in the south in just two hours. In this context, the small coastal village of Perast, which has around 400 inhabitants, stands out. With its impressive medieval architecture and historical charm, Perast has achieved UNESCO World Heritage status, attracting numerous tourists.

Perast offers a variety of attractions, including ancient churches, stylish villas and magnificent palaces. One of the main attractions are the small islands that lie off the coast of Perast. Many tourists embark on small ships to visit these unique places.

The island “Lady on the Rock”

One of the most famous islands is Lady on the Rock, famous for the church of Our Lady of the Rocks. This unique church stands on a man-made island built from stones and sunken ships. The legend associated with this church dates back to the late 15th century. A boy named Marko found an image of the Virgin Mary, and after his mother died, the image was rediscovered on a reef near Perast.

After a fire on the Prevlaka peninsula, the Mortičić brothers took the initiative and rallied locals to build a church at the place where the image was found. The current temple is the result of construction work in the late 17th and 18th centuries after the original chapel was destroyed in an earthquake in 1667. Today the church includes several buildings, including the “Hall of Peace”, where disputes among Peraster residents can be settled.

Cultural treasures and traditions

The church's museum houses the largest collection of ship paintings in Europe, depicting maritime scenes and historical battles. Of particular note is a tapestry made by a woman from Perast over 25 years while she waited for her husband to return. The church is also decorated with over 2,000 silver votive plaques donated by sailors in gratitude for their rescue.

One of the local traditions, Fašinada, is very popular. In this annual boat procession from Perast to the island, participants throw stones into the water to symbolically enlarge the island. The entire island has an area of ​​3030 m², making it a popular location for weddings and tourist visits.

The island of St. George

Near “Lady on the Rock” is the island of St. George (Sveti Đorđe), which is home to an old Benedictine monastery. However, no ships visit this island and access is prohibited by the regulations of the State of Montenegro. Violations can result in large fines. Old monks and clergy are said to be buried in the crypt of the monastery on St. George, and there are reports of mysterious apparitions.

The diverse beauty of Montenegro and the rich history of places like Perast and its islands make the region an enticing destination for many travelers who want to experience culture, nature and tradition up close.