The Hermitage of Blaca is a uniquely captivating monument – a tribute to human survival, ingenuity and resourcefulness dating from the mid 16th century. It was the hermitage (a secluded religious sanctuary) of the Glagolitic Order (Glagoljica Croatian ancient alphabet) raised on a steep cliff above the Blaca Bay west of Bol. Blaca was established by Glagolitie priests from Poljica that sought refuge on the island of Brac fleeing the Turks during the peak of their conquests onto the Dalmatian coast. In 1552 they established a monastic community and in 1570 got permission from the bishop to raise a monastery and church. They produced wine, honey and other horticultures and in time became quite powerful and wealthy. This wealth allowed them to practice their love of astronomy and establish an observatory that became known around the world. The priests published their own astronomy-themed magazine and were credited with discovering several celestial objects including a comet using the telescope that can still be seen at the monastery.
The original grounds of the monastery initially comprised solely of the surrounding caves in which the priests initially found refuge. Over time though, the church and residential structures as well as the many workshops and adjoining buildings were added to the complex as the order continued to prosper in its isolation and benefit from the fruits of its inhabitants’ labors.
The furniture of Blaca monastery is also very attractive, including beautiful Baroque-style interiors in the church, study and library areas including a full sized piano-hauled by 12 men from the bay There are collections of ancient weapons, numerous clocks and a rich library. The Glagolithic Monks below. took advantage of their isolation to excel in many areas depending on the interests of their various leaders including bird and bee-keeping, printmaking, olive and grape harvesting, music and astronomy.
Blaca monastery
