BRAC - more information

HISTORY OF ISLAND BRAC
The island of Brac, whose protector is St. George, has a very rich history. The evidence of life existence dates back even to the stone-ages (3000 B. C.). In the 4th century B.C. the island was settled by the Illyrian tribe Delmata after whom was Dalmatia named.

Greek colonization was not present like on the other islands, but in the Roman time were formed many Roman settlements (villa rustica), thanks to the exploitation of the well known stone. From this white stone was built the Diocletian’s palace in the town of Split.

In the 7th century came Croats and, after their Christianization, life on the island became more dynamic. Venice had big influence on the island because it ruled almost 4 centuries. The danger of the Turks on the mainland was the reason that Brac had more and more immigrants. In the time of French ruling, thanks to the numerous reforms, life on the island became better for its habitants, and then in the time of Austrian Habsburg monarchy in the 19th century important settlements on the island was connected by roads. In that time Brac became known for its quality wine which was exported around Europe.

In the beginning of the 20th century vineyards were slowly destroyed by the disease and this was the reason for a massive emigration to oversea countries, especially to Chile. In the 1st and in the 2nd World War the life on the island was very difficult. After liberation from the fascism island Brac became part of the socialistic Yugoslavia. From 1991. island Brac is part of the independent Republic of Croatia.

HIGHLIGHTS

DESERT BLACA - Desert Blaca is situated on the west side of the mountain Vidova gora. It can be reached only by macadam road (around 6 km) and walking path (around 30 min. walk). Blaca has great cultural, scientific and architectural importance, not only for the island Brac then for the whole of Dalmatia. Desert Blaca is actually an eremitical monastery which was founded by the Glagolitic priests from the mainland who escaped the Turks around year 1550. After the permission of the island authorities to settle down on this area, throughout the centuries this simple cave shelter of Ljubitovica became monastic and economic complex of great importance. The priests lived independently over 400 years till 1963 when the last priest died and the monastery turned into a museum. Monastery Blaca was built in an interesting position hidden between high cliffs of the canyon and this gives it a mysterious charm. Within the monastery there is a church, then a school for children, a library with nearly 8000 books on 5 languages, an astronomical observatory etc. The monastery of Blaca will surely surprise you with its beauty and history, so don’t miss to visit this exceptional locality.

DRAGON’S CAVE - Zmajeva špilja (Dragon’s cave) is situated on the south side of the island, underneath the cliffs of Vidova gora and over the village of Murvica. It can be reached by the picturesque walking path (around 40 min. walk). The historians didn’t exactly establish when or who made this rare monument, but its cultural and artistic (and secret!) value is not in question. Inside the cave there are many reliefs of figures from the Slavic mythology and Christianity made in the very stone of the cave. The dominant figure is one with the dragon and the cave was named after it. The eremites who lived here long time ago probably enjoyed beautiful nature and the panoramic view as well as today’s visitors who are coming to see this mysterious cave. Nearby there are several abandoned monasteries which are also worth to visit.

REGIONAL MUSEUM OF THE ISLAND – ŠKRIP Škrip is the oldest settlement on the island of Brac. Set on the top of the hill, with its belfry, church facade and huge towers it appears like a town lost in this stony area by coincidence. Škrip is a town-monument in which Illyrians, Romans and Croatians deposited their ethnic layers, as the evidence of their presence. It is the whole of Brac in itself and it represents a very heart of the authentic island. In Škrip, there is the Regional Museum of the island with its rich collection from Roman time, late antiquity and early medieval monuments and sculptures as well as interesting ethnographic collection.

SCHOOL FOR STONE-CUTTERS – PUCIŠCA On the island Brac which is an everlasting source of white stone, the tradition of stone-cutting dates back to the time of Romans. From this famous stone were built some of the world well-known buildings (the Diocletian’s palace in Split, the White house in Washington, the Parliament in Budapest, and the Reichstag in Berlin etc.) This old tradition continues even today, especially in the town of Pucišca where exists a unique school for stone-cutters (the only one in this part of Europe). In this school young people learn, like their ancestors, how to do this difficult job.

VIDOVA GORA “The continent of Brac” is an exceptional island because of the Vidova gora mountain which is the highest peak of all Adriatic islands (778 m). The very top of the mountain can be reached by a car, and from the top spreads a breathless view on the slope of the south side of the island, the town of Bol and the famous beach Golden Cape (Zlatni rat) as well as on the islands of Middle Dalmatia. At high visibility even the Italian coast may be seen. Vidova gora hides many wonders of nature: from the dense forest of authentic black pine trees (Pinus niger Dalmatica) and its rich herbal and animal world to numerous caves and pits.

DOMINICAN MONASTERY – BOL Dominican monastery in the town of Bol is, beside the Franciscan monastery in Sumartin, the only one on the island who survived until now. It was founded at the end of the 15th century when there was no more danger of the pirates from the town of Omiš. This monastery partly helped the town of Bol to develop itself. It is situated on the very east of the town and with its belfry and its church gives Bol a special charm. Within the monastery there is a botanical garden as well as the museum of island antiquities: archeological collection from various times, original manuscripts, church books and objects, numismatic collection, valued pictures from 15th to 18th century etc. The most valued picture is one from the late Renaissance made by the great Venice painter Tintoretto.

FOOD AND DRINK - Croatia's seafood is amongst the best in Europe, as this is one of the cleanest corners of Mediterranean. Fish and shellfish dominate the menus of the Sutivan's smallest and simplest restaurants, cooked simply in olive oil and fresh herbs.
In many of the Sutivan's restaurants and famous Dalmatian's "konobas", you can enjoy in traditionally prepared dishes, made with natural home-grown ingredients (prosciutto, Brac cheese, fish, famous lamb, olives) and served in a pleasant native surroundings.

Dalmatian specialties are:

• Pršut - smoked ham
• Brodetto - fish stew with polenta
• Pašticada - beef goulash and gnocchi
• Škampi na buzaru – shrimps cooked in their own juice
• Salata na hobotnicu – octopus and spring onion salad
• Riba na gradele – freshly grilled fish
• Crni rižot – black risotto cooked in cuttlefish ink
• Don't miss to try "Peka" – traditional method of cooking meat or octopus beneath a metal dome buried in glowing embers.
• " Rožata" is similar to crème caramel and it's also popular.
• Wine, grappa, olive oil...

Good purchases include Brac olive oil, home-made grappa and incredible variety of Croatian wines.

On the Brac you can taste a very popular Plavac wine, especially from Bakovic vineyards. A very good desert wine produced along the islands coastline is Prošek.

The most popular spirit on Brac is Rakija Lozovaca which is a produced from wine grapes.

There is also a lot of others very aromatic grappas like Orahovica (with nut), Ruža (with rose) or Travarica (with a few herbs from island Brac). If you want to take some quality souvenirs from Brac, check out the farmer's markets or ask someone from Sutivan where you can find a home-made grappa or original and virgin olive oil.

There are a number of family-run wine and oil cellars (look for signs saying "Prodajem domace vino, rakiju i ulje")

Brac is situated between islands Solta and Hvar

It’s the largest island of the central Dalmatian group of islands, the third largest among the Adriatic islands; area 394.57 sq km; population 13,824. It is separated from the mainland by the Brac Channel, from the island of Solta by the so-called Splitska Vrata (Split Gate) and from the island of Hvar by the Hvar Channel. The highest peak of the island, Vidova Gora (Vitus' Mount) (778 m), is also the highest peak of all Croatian islands. The limestone part of the coast is rocky and steep, while the rest is rather low and sandy (on the southern side from Farska to Bol, and on the northern side from Sutivan to Supetar). The island landscape is dominated by a karst limestone relief, with numerous gullies, crevices, cavities, round valleys and coves. Milder forms of the relief, with brown Primorje soils (the most fertile on the island), are found mostly in the interior (especially between Lozisca and Nerezisca, as well as between Selca, Novo Selo and Sumartin). Average air temperatures in January range between 4.9°C (Praznice) and 7.2 °C (Sutivan), and in July between 22.9 °C (Nerezisca, elevation 360 m) and 24.7 °C (Sutivan). Rainfall occurs mostly in the winter months. The annual rainfall in Praznice reaches 1,450 mm and in Sutivan about 830 mm. The climate on the island is mostly moderated by winds, i.e. the sirocco and the bora (the so-called "vruljska" bora between Pucisca and Povlja). The landward breeze occurs quite often in the summer months, especially along the north-western coast. There are no surface water streams on the island. Permanent water sources are provided only around Bol. Higher parts of the island (above 400 m) are at some places covered with black and Aleppo pine forests; larger or smaller forests of Aleppo pine are found around all coastal towns and villages; dominant are dense evergreen underbrush (macchia) and rocky ground. The largest places are Pucisca and Supetar. Major farming products are olive oil, wine and fruit (sour cherries and almonds); chief occupations include also livestock breeding and fishing. Fish canneries are located in Postira and Milna. Major quarries, where the famous Brac building stone is excavated, are located near Pucisca, Selca, Postira, Splitska and Do-nji Humac (this kind of building stone was used in the construction of the White House in Washington and the Palace of Diocletian in Split). A road network has been constructed throughout the island; ferry lines Split - Supetar, Makarska - Sumartin; ship lines with Supetar and Bol. Airport (for smaller aircraft) above Bol.

Brac was inhabited as early as the Neolithic (Kopacina Cave between Donji Humac and Supetar), featuring also the archaeological sites from the Bronze and Iron Ages (hill-forts Rat near Lozisca, Kastilo above Bol, Skrip - as the major fortification, Velo and Malo Gradisce, Hum, Gradac, tumuli in the vicinity of Nerezisca, Praznice, Gornji and Donji Humac and elsewhere) and from the period of Greek colonization (Vicja Vala). The first known settlers were the Illyrians (the ancient name of Brac, Brattia, most probably originates from the Illyrian word brentos: deer). The Roman period has also left many traces (summer mansions, tombs) not only in the interior of the islands but also on the coast; the quarries near Skrip were exploited already during Diocletian's reign. In the early Middle Ages Brac came under Byzant, to be taken by the Slavs from the Neretva region in the 9th century, upon which it was annexed to the Croatian state. Due to a constant threat of the pirates, the population gradually abandoned its coastal habitations and withdrew to the interior of the island (Nerezisca, Donji Humac, Skrip, Gornji Humac, Podhume, Gradac, etc.). In the 18th century Brac was under the rule of the town of Omis, to come under the town of Split in 1240; in the 14th century Brac acknowledged the rule of the Hungarian-Croatian king Louis I, then the Bosnian king Tvrtko I and Duke Hrvoje Vukcic, having being granted broad autonomy. In the period 1420-1797 Brac was under the Venetians, who confirmed the earlier privileges of Brac. After the fall of Venice it came under Austria (until 1806); for a short period of time it was also the Russian marine base for the northern part of the Adriatic, after that it was under the French rule and then until 1918 under Austria.

Some ten sanctuaries date back to the early Christian times (the three-foil church in Sutivan, the three-nave basilica with the baptistery in Povlja and Postira, Supetar). The first churches in pre-Romanesque style appeared in the 10th century (St. Nicholas above Sumartin, St. Michael above Dol); after that sacral buildings started to follow the styles of the development of the Croatian architecture with Romanesque features (St. George above Brac, St. Elias near Donji Humac). The 15th century was characterized by more complex architectural forms (a summer mansion in Bol) and the Renaissance order was applied in the construction of the church in Postira and the Dominican church in Bol. The Baroque-style architecture saw its best moments in the construction of churches (skrip, Lozisca, Milna, Nerezisca). The high level of architectural design was maintained in the 19th century as well (Lozisca - bell tower, church in Selca). The construction in the 20th century consisted mainly in a number of accommodation and other tourist facilities (Bol, Supetar), including also rest homes (Povlja, Bobovisca, Splitska).

BOL

Bol, Brac Island - the natural beauty
Situated on the south side of Mt. Vidova Gora (778 m - highest peak on islands of Adriatic) with it's numerous natural and historical attractions, Bol was destined to base it's tourism on its' natural beauty. It provides the magnificent view on Bol, Hvar Island and a channel separating them, a well as the view on what is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Zlatni rat (Golden cape) - known as perfect sunbathing and windsurfing spot, and as unique natural phenomenon. It stretches about half a kilometre into clear Adriatic Sea, constantly shifting direction of its tip influenced by sea currents. Both attractions of Bol are just here to begin exploring what you can find by coming here.

Cultural and historical attractions
People who inhabited Bol and Brac Island from prehistoric time extended its natural beauty by human hand, often inspired by faith and nature.

Dragons cave with its fascinating beauty engraved in stone, Blaca hermitage, Dominican monastery - just to mention them - are few spots you simply shouldn't miss when visiting this region of Croatia - completing you’re surrounding in Bol and on Brac Island and making it perfect holiday destination.

Bol Croatia -holiday destination
Bol didn't stayed at what nature and history offer its visitors, but it developed diverse and rich spectrum of services, making it one of the best known Croatian "brand name" travel destinations.

Using its unique positioning and winds, Bol is known in surfers’ circles as the best surfing spot in this part of the world. Numerous surfers are also summoned here by different windsurfing competitions held here.

Bol extended its sport offer with different other sports like tennis (numerous courts, WTA tournament was held here), scuba diving, beach volley and different kinds of "extreme" sports.

People on active holidays usually don't stop by sunset. Therefore Bol has rich and well known social life. Different restaurants, bars, clubs and discotheques offer rich gastronomic offer garned with famous red wine, and active night life which offers unforgettable nights for all age groups and tastes.

Bol, Brac island - it's actually just a few hours away
Brac Island is positioned just across Split, the biggest city on Croatian Adriatic - which is well connected with most European centres.
Beside that 14 km from Bol there is local "Airport Brac" which is well connected with different European cities by both regular and charter lines.

You will find detailed information about all above on our site, while we're preparing you warm welcome in this unique beach resort - Bol, Brac Island, Croatia

Climate of Brac
• Climate of Brac, Croatia is what's widely recognized as Medireannean climate - characterized by long, hot and dry summer and short, mild and wet winters.
• On Brac you can count with an average of 134 days of clear sky and 2600 hours of sunshine.
• Statistically, average daily temperature is bellow zero rarely than once in three years, and snow, in average happens 1, 5 days in year.
• Average air temperatures in Bol, Brac Island are as follows (in °C):

• Temperature differences between seasons are mildered by influence of the sea which temperature is more stable, making the swimming here popular long in September.
• Average temperatures of the sea, from May to September are (in °C):

• Rainfall varies trough the year, and coldest period of the year has the most rainfall as well (December - February).
• During the cold part of the year, there is south warm wind (SE, "jugo") and northern cold wind (NE, "bura") taking turns.
• Although winds are usually not as strong during the summer, there is daily circulation of air in form of refreshing "maestral" from the sea (NW) from afternoon to evening, and evening "burin" (NE) pleasant breeze from hills of Brac.