One of the most captivating sites in the Bay of Kotor is Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela)—a small artificial island that carries with it centuries of tradition, faith, and maritime history.
The story begins in 1452, when two local fishermen discovered an icon of the Madonna and Child on a rock in the bay. Seeing this as a divine sign, they vowed to build a church on that very spot. But since no island existed, the people began a tradition of dropping stones into the sea to create one.
This tradition is known as Fašinada and continues to this day. For centuries, sailors returning from safe voyages would drop stones at the site as a sign of gratitude. Over time, these efforts formed the island that now holds the church. Remarkably, the island has survived multiple earthquakes, including the powerful 1979 earthquake that damaged much of the region.
According to legend, the island is protected by an eternal light—a symbol of the Virgin Mary's protection over sailors navigating the often-unpredictable waters of the Adriatic. This light, though not visible to the eye, is said to guide and guard all who travel through the Bay.
The Church and Its Treasures
The church you see today was completed in 1630 and remains a symbol of devotion and
resilience. Inside, visitors can view the original icon that inspired the island’s creation, along
with a collection of religious and maritime artifacts. The church interior shows a strong
Venetian influence, with paintings donated by Venetian artists. There is also a museum,
featuring:
- Silver votive tablets – engraved scenes showing shipwrecks, storms, and miraculous rescues.
- Tapestries, jewelry, clothing, and naval equipment – all given as ex-voto offerings, tokens of thanks for divine protection at sea.
Each artifact tells a story of hope, gratitude, and survival, passed down through generations of
sailors and their families.
The Tradition of Fašinada
Every July 22nd, locals take part in the Fašinada ceremony, sailing out to the island and dropping stones into the water to continue the island’s growth. A special mass and boat blessing mark this important cultural and spiritual event.