Pučišća Stone Masonry School | The Only Stone Masonry School in Croatia

The stone masonry school in Pučišća is one of the most renowned educational institutions on Brač and the only secondary school in Croatia specialising in stone masonry. It is located just a few minutes above the waterfront, in a stone building surrounded by workshops and a courtyard where students can be seen working with Brač stone using both hand tools and modern equipment throughout the day.

Founded in 1909, the school emerged from the long-standing tradition of stone extraction and processing in Pučišća and its surrounding areas. The quarries around Pučišća have shaped the appearance of the town and the way of life in this part of Brač for centuries, making the school a natural continuation of the local stone masonry tradition.

The majority of the curriculum is based on practical work. During their studies, students learn hand stone processing, the creation of ornaments, restoration of stone details, sculpture, and the use of modern stone processing machinery. While touring the school, one can often see unfinished sculptures, reliefs, stone columns, and various practice works scattered throughout the courtyard and workshops.

Part of the school is also open to visitors, and during the summer, guided tours of the workshops and exhibition spaces can be organised. This allows visitors to observe the methods of processing Brač stone, the tools used, and some of the students' works. It is particularly interesting to note how much of the work is still done by hand, despite the presence of modern machinery.

The school has a boarding facility, attracting students from various parts of Croatia and abroad. Some of the programme is linked to the restoration of historical buildings, with former students and teachers having participated in numerous projects for the restoration of stone structures both in Croatia and beyond.

The stone masonry school is not a conventional museum or a major tourist attraction, but it effectively explains why Pučišća appears different from most places along the Adriatic. The white Brač stone here is not merely a building material but has been an integral part of the town's daily life for over a century.

It is important to note that the school is not open for free tourist visits at all times, so during the summer, it is advisable to check the schedule for guided tours or organised visits.