Blaca Hermitage
Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Blaca Hermitage, located on the southern side of Brač Island in Croatia, is a historic hermitage originally founded by Glagolitic monks in the 16th century. Established in 1552 under a cave in a valley between Bol and Milna, it evolved into a monastic community with its own church, agricultural lands, and later an observatory. The hermitage reflects Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles, having been rebuilt and expanded after a fire in 1724. It served as a religious and economic center, with monks managing farming, trade via their own harbor, and cultural activities including printing and astronomy. The site preserves original stone buildings, a church with Baroque altarpieces, a collection of astronomical instruments, a printing press, archives, and a library. The community thrived until the mid-20th century, leaving a rich legacy of Croatian Glagolitic culture and scientific endeavor. Today, Blaca Hermitage stands as a protected cultural and natural monument, offering visitors insight into monastic life, historic craftsmanship, and early astronomy in a breathtaking coastal landscape.
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Astuce: Visit during spring or autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended to fully appreciate the site's historical and astronomical significance. Discounts may be available for students and seniors. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain and bring water, as the hermitage is located in a remote area.
Faits intéressants
- •The hermitage was founded by Glagolitic monks fleeing Turkish invasions in the 15th century.
- •It includes an astronomical observatory with historic instruments used for celestial observations.
- •Two asteroids discovered at Višnjan Observatory were named (10241) Miličević and (10645) Brač in honor of Blaca Hermitage.
- •The site features a rare preserved printing press and archives dating back to the 16th century.
- •The hermitage operated autonomously, allowing it to accept members without external ecclesiastical or secular control.
Histoire
The Blaca Hermitage was founded in 1552 by Glagolitic monks who fled Ottoman invasions and settled on Brač Island.
Initially a small monastic community under a cave, it expanded with permission to build a church and other buildings by 1570.
The hermitage prospered economically and culturally through agriculture, trade, and printing.
It suffered setbacks including a fire in 1724 and a severe hailstorm in 1784 but continued to function until the death of its last priest-administrator in 1962.
Over centuries, it became a significant religious, cultural, and scientific site, especially noted for its astronomical observatory.
The hermitage is now protected as a cultural monument of Croatia.
Guide du lieu
Monastic Complex and Church1588
The core of Blaca Hermitage includes stone buildings constructed over centuries, featuring a Renaissance church built in 1588 with Baroque altarpieces and paintings from the 17th-century Venetian school. The church's bell tower was added in the 17th-18th century.
Astronomical Observatory17th-18th century
Blaca Hermitage houses a historical observatory equipped with telescopes and astronomical instruments used by the monks for celestial observations, highlighting the site's scientific importance.
Printing Press and Archives16th century
The hermitage contains one of the few preserved monastic printing presses used to publish works in Croatian Glagolitic script, alongside extensive archives and a library documenting the community's history.
Agricultural and Economic Facilities
Surrounding the residential buildings are preserved agricultural structures such as beehives, animal pens, and tools, evidencing the monks' self-sufficient economy and trade activities through their harbor called Popova vala.
Contact
Téléphone: 091 516 4671