The Island of Brač, one of the largest Adriatic islands, is renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty and rich history. The island offers much more than just crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches, concealing numerous fascinating facts waiting to be discovered.
Ancient Wine Tradition
Brač boasts a long tradition of wine production. Viticulture on the island has roots in antiquity, when the first Greeks and Romans recognized the potential of this area for grapevine cultivation. The island is dotted with small, family-owned wineries that preserve the tradition of producing indigenous wine varieties, providing visitors with a unique tasting experience.
Quarries as a Source of Pride
Brač stone, known for its whiteness and quality, has been used for centuries in the construction of many significant buildings worldwide. The quarries, some of which are still active, represent an important part of the island. The tradition of stone carving is passed down through generations, making it an indelible part of Brač’s cultural heritage.
Blaca Hermitage: A Monastery in the Valley
Blaca Hermitage, a monastery nestled in a deep valley, was once home to Glagolitic monks who fled from the Ottomans. This isolated location became a center of knowledge and culture, hiding a rich history within its walls. Today, the Blaca monastery is a museum open to the public, telling the story of survival and intellectual work in isolation.
Klapa Festivals: Preserving Musical Heritage
Brač plays an important role in preserving Croatian musical tradition through the organization of klapa festivals. Klapa, traditional a cappella singing, is part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage. Festivals on Brač bring together klapa groups from all over Croatia, promoting this unique form of musical expression.
Bura: More Than Just Wind
On Brač, the bura is not just a meteorological phenomenon; it is part of the island’s cultural identity. This strong and cold northern wind shapes the landscape, influences everyday life, and inspires local legends and stories, and was sung by Tin Ujević in the poem Bura on Braču.
The Mysterious Dragon of Brač
The legend of the dragon of Brač is one of the most intriguing folk tales of the island. Saint George is the patron saint of the island of Brač, and according to legend, he fought with a dragon on the beach, like Perseus in ancient mythology, outside the city walls to save the king’s daughter who was to be sacrificed. Although the story of the dragon is more a part of mythology than real history, it reflects the rich imagination and narrative tradition of the Brač people.
Centuries-Old Olive Trees
Brač is home to some of the oldest olive trees in the region, with some dating back more than a thousand years. These ancient trees have not only survived centuries but continue to bear fruit today, symbolizing the unbroken cycle of life and connection to the land. Brač olive oil is protected throughout the European Union with a designation of origin and geographical indication.
Stone Sculptures: Outdoor Art
Scattered throughout the island, stone sculptures and installations testify to the rich tradition of stone carving on Brač. These artistic creations, the work of local artists and stonemasons, enrich the landscape and provide insight into the island’s cultural history. From subtle sculptures to monumental installations, these artistic endeavors bring Brač’s stone heritage to life.
Brač Vistas with Stunning Views
Thanks to its diverse terrain, Brač offers some of the most beautiful views in the Adriatic. From the top of Vidova Gora, the highest point of all Adriatic islands, there is an unforgettable view of the sea, neighboring islands, and the mainland. These views are not only places of exceptional natural beauty but also places of silence and contemplation, where one can feel a true connection with nature.
Zlatni Rat: An Adriatic Icon on Island of Brač
Zlatni Rat beach, located on the southern coast of the island of Brač near the town of Bol, is undeniably one of the most recognizable symbols of Croatian tourism. This unique beach, known for its golden pebbles and distinctive shape that changes under the influence of wind and sea currents, is a natural wonder. Its extraordinary beauty and crystal-clear waters attract visitors from all over the world, making it one of the most photographed locations in the Adriatic.
A Unique House Within a House
On the island of Brač, there is an unusual landmark known as the “house within a house,” created in the 19th century. Legend has it that three Vuković brothers, after marrying Spanish women, decided to build a large house on the site where the house of a local resident, Marko, already stood. When Marko did not agree to a land deal, the brothers used his departure to Dubrovnik to build walls around his house, intending to demolish it later. However, the brothers died returning from Venice during a storm, and Marko continued to live in his besieged house. Without heirs, this unusual structure remains an unusual monument to human destinies.
Our Daily Sheep
Interestingly, the island has more sheep than inhabitants, which not only reflects a rich tradition of animal husbandry but also speaks to the way of life and economic priorities of the local community. This fact is not just an interesting anecdote but indicates the island’s deep connection to the pastoral way of life, which has shaped the culture and economy of the region over the centuries.
