Rasohe Quarry and Hercules Relief – a historic Roman attraction above Splitska (island of Brač)

The Rasohe Quarry is an old Roman quarry site located above the settlement of Splitska on the island of Brač . In ancient times, this was one of the important places on the island where Brač stone was quarried, which was used to build the Diocletian's Palace in Split , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History and meaning

In the Rasohe quarry, as well as in other quarries above Split (Plate and Stražišće), the Romans extracted large blocks of stone which were then transported by ship to Split. Research shows that the cult of Hercules was particularly present among stonemasons , and in the quarry itself there is a relief of Hercules carved directly into the rock.

Relief of Hercules

The relief depicts Hercules (Heracles) , the most famous hero from Greek and Roman mythology, whose name is often associated with physical strength and the protection of workers. The figure is about 80 cm tall and represents a naked hero with the skin of a Nemean lion slung over his shoulders, holding fruits in one hand and a traditional club in the other.

This kind of relief is not just an artistic representation, but also had a cultic meaning for Roman stonemasons and workers , who could pray to Hercules for strength and protection during the difficult and dangerous work in the quarry.

Themed trail “Hercules”

The Rasohe quarry is reached by a thematic hiking trail called "Hercules" , approximately 1.1 km long, which begins at the bottom of the horseshoe of the Splitska harbor and leads through nature to the entrance to the quarry. The trail is marked and landscaped to allow visitors to access and enjoy the historic location and the view of the relief and environment.

For visitors

The Rasohe quarry with the Hercules relief offers a unique combination of history, archaeology and nature . This makes it interesting for lovers of history, culture and active tourism, especially those who want to learn more about the important role of Brač in the Roman building tradition.