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

Blaca Monastery is located on the southern side of Brač, nestled between towering rocky cliffs and steep canyons that descend towards the sea. Despite being referred to as a desert, there is no sand or flat land here; it is an isolated monastic complex concealed deep within the stony landscape, accessible only on foot. This sense of seclusion from the rest of the island leaves a lasting impression even upon arrival.

There are several routes to reach Blaca, but the most common approach is via the road from Nerežišća or Bol to the car park on the plateau above the canyon. From there, it is approximately a 2.5-kilometre walk down a stony path to the monastery. The trail winds through a completely barren landscape filled with dry stone walls, sage, and white Brač stone, with little shade along most of the route. For this reason, most visitors arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially during the summer months.

The monastery was established 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 evolved into a large complex featuring living quarters, a church, a library, agricultural buildings, and an astronomical observatory. It is remarkable that everything was constructed within the rock, in a location where there are no roads or sources of water today.

The interior of the monastery is quite different from typical Dalmatian monasteries along the coast. The rooms are filled with old books, astronomical instruments, clocks, maps, and items that the monks have collected from various parts of Europe over the centuries. The observatory, which was arranged by Don Nikola Miličević, one of the last residents of Blaca, in the early 20th century, is particularly well-known. Thanks to his efforts, the hermitage 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 first emerges from the long descent, it appears more like a film set than a real monastery. There are no surrounding houses, shops, or traffic — just stone, cliffs, and a few old terraces that the monks have cultivated for centuries to survive.

The return journey from Blaca can be more challenging than the descent, as the entire path is uphill. It is essential to carry enough water, wear suitable footwear for rocky terrain, and avoid the peak heat. During the summer, there is almost no shade along the trail.

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