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The History and Charm of Rose
Rose is a small fishing village on the northwest coast of the Luštica peninsula, facing Herceg Novi, 1.7 nautical miles away (1 nautical mile = 1852 meters). It is a typical Mediterranean town with closely packed houses lined up in front of the waterfront pier. Once an ancient Greek settlement called Punto Roza, it was destroyed by the Saracens (as Arabs were called in medieval Europe) in 867 AD. Afterward, a new settlement was built, passing through different empires, including the Romans, Byzantines, and eventually Austro-Hungary.
Olive Farming Legacy
During the Austro-Hungarian rule, olive groves on the Luštica peninsula, including Rose, became more organized. Austro-Hungary advanced agricultural methods, modernizing irrigation, which allowed for greater production of olives and olive oil. Olive oil from this area became highly valued for its quality. Many of the olive trees planted during that period are still in use today, producing fruit and serving as living witnesses to the olive farming tradition on Luštica. This period left a lasting mark on olive cultivation, and its fruits are still used in modern production.
A Hub for Sailors and Captains
The importance of Rose is also mentioned in the records of Byzantine Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus in 841 AD. Due to its location and protection from winds, Rose was often used as a shelter for sailing ships in the past. For a time, it hosted a customs office, port authority, and a quarantine for sailors entering Boka Bay. Rose was mostly built in the 17th and 18th centuries during the golden age of Boka’s maritime industry, when many locals from Luštica sailed the Mediterranean and beyond with their ships. The Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity is located in Rose, surrounded by a cemetery where famous sea captains are buried. There is also the Church of St. Mary, built in 1783 by Venetian commander Antonio Alberto.
The Hidden Beauty and Secrets of Rose
Rose and the entire Luštica peninsula are rich in archaeological findings, particularly interesting are underwater archaeological excavations, where cannonballs, anchors, ceramics, and an old Spanish shipwreck from the early 16th century were discovered. This shipwreck was transporting ceramics for Bosnian dynasties before it sank. The village is surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation: pines, cypresses, olive trees, and carob trees. Nearby is the small sandy beach “Malo Rose,” ideal for those seeking peace and quiet, dreaming of bygone centuries. Throughout the year, Rose is connected by a regular boat line with Herceg Novi, and in the summer, tourist boats visit several times a day. Rose is a place you must see and experience, especially from its characteristic viewpoints (Belvedere), where you may even uncover some of the secrets of centuries past.
