Blaca Monastery on Brač | A Stone Monastery Hidden Between Cliffs and the Sea

Blaca Monastery is located on the southern side of Brač, nestled between high rocky cliffs and steep canyons that descend towards the sea. Although it is referred to as a desert, there is actually no sand or flat land here — it is an isolated monastic complex hidden deep in the stony landscape, accessible only on foot. This sense of separation from the rest of the island leaves a significant impression upon arrival.

There are several ways to reach Blaca, but the most common route is via the road from Nerežišća or Bol to the parking area on the plateau above the canyon. From there, it is about a 2.5-kilometer walk down a stony path to the monastery. The path traverses a completely barren landscape filled with dry stone walls, sage, and white Brač stone, with little shade along most of the trail. For this reason, most visitors come early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially during the summer.

The monastery was founded in the 16th century by Glagolitic priests fleeing from the Ottomans on the mainland. Initially, it was a small cave dwelling, but over the centuries it transformed into a large complex with residential areas, a church, a library, economic buildings, and an astronomical observatory. It is remarkable that everything was built into the rock, in a location where there are no roads or water sources today.

The interior of the monastery is quite different from typical coastal Dalmatian monasteries. The rooms are filled with old books, astronomical instruments, clocks, maps, and items that the monks collected from various parts of Europe over the centuries. The observatory, arranged by Don Nikola Miličević in the early 20th century, one of the last residents of Blaca, is particularly well-known. Thanks to him, the monastery gained recognition beyond Croatia for its astronomical observations and scientific work.

What makes Blaca special is not only its history but also the entire environment surrounding the monastery. When the complex embedded in the rock first appears after a long descent, it seems more like a film set than a real monastery. There are no surrounding houses, shops, or traffic — only stone, cliffs, and a few old terraces that the monks cultivated for centuries to survive.

The return from Blaca can be more challenging than the descent, as the entire trail is uphill. It is necessary to bring enough water, wear suitable footwear for rocky terrain, and avoid the hottest part of the day. During the summer, there is almost no shade along the path.

Today, Blaca Monastery is one of the most important cultural sites on Brač and is part of Croatia's cultural heritage protected by the state. Most visitors say that the journey to the monastery is as significant a part of the experience as the visit itself.