History of St. George Island
St. George Island is a small, naturally formed islet situated right next to Our Lady of the Rocks. Often called the “Island of the Dead,” it is best known for its Benedictine monastery and cemetery, which served as a burial site for the nobility of Perast. The 12th-century Saint George Benedictine monastery stands alongside an ancient graveyard that contains the remains of the town’s elite.
Tale of Montenegro's Romeo & Juliet
In the era of Napoleon, a young sailor in the French Navy fell deeply in love with a girl from the picturesque coastal town of Perast. Their romance flourished despite the chaos of war and political strife surrounding them. However, tragedy struck when the sailor received orders to bombard the coastline, leading to the heartbreaking moment when he found his beloved’s lifeless body among the wreckage. Grief-stricken, he took her out to sea and laid her to rest in the graveyard on the Island of Saint George, forever etching the location in his memory as the place where his heart shattered.
Can I Visit St. George Island?
The island remains closed to the public to maintain its peaceful atmosphere and respect the cemetery’s significance. However, you can capture stunning photos of it from the sea, Perast, or Our Lady of the Rocks.
