January the 13th, 2026 – Croatia’s most stunning old monastery is 500 years old and situated right next to the shoreline on one of the country’s most gorgeous islands.
As Putni kofer writes, on one side, it is gently lapped by the waves of the Adriatic Sea, while on the other, the scent of locally growing Brač herbs and olive groves spreads, and all this takes place in the shadow of one of the most famous island towns and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The Dominican Monastery of St. Mary of Mercy is located, it seems, in one of the most beautiful locations on the entire island, and the view of it can also be enjoyed from the nearby pebble beach. Croatia’s most stunning monastery, or rather the entire complex, is much more than harmoniously built old walls. In its silence, an entire history is hidden away.
The Dominican Monastery of St. Mary of Mercy is located in the town of Bol on Brač, a place famous for the Zlatni rat (Golden horn) beach, one of the most famous Croatian tourist attractions. While this beach is constantly changing its shape under the influence of the elements, pointing to the impermanent nature of our existence, this monastery is its total opposite. Throughout the seemingly endless passage of time, this ancient structure proves to be a steadfast guardian of an exceptionally rich history.
Croatia’s most stunning monastery, the view of which is formed by the old bell tower of the church that is part of the monastery complex, is located on the Glavica peninsula at the eastern entrance to Bol. Bol is otherwise the oldest coastal town on the entire island of Brač. It is adorned with a view of the nearby island of Hvar, and it is referred to as one of the most beautiful cultural sites on the whole island. It’s only a 10-minute walk from Bol itself, and its history dates all the way back to the 15th century. Throughout its long history, it has been the cultural and spiritual heart of the tallest Croatian island and the largest island in all of Dalmatia.
Zvonimir Barisin/PIXSELL
The Dominican Monastery of St. Mary and the church bearing the same name were both constructed on the site of a late antique castle and bishop’s palace, which was mentioned as early as 1184. The bell tower is the work of Tripun Bokanić, while the monastery boasts two floors. The ancient complex includes a spacious garden and an inner courtyard, and the complex is registered as a protected cultural property.
The complex is also known for housing the Dominican Monastery Museum. It was founded on the 500th anniversary of the monastery and was renovated back in 2021. On the ground floor there are amphorae and archaeological finds from the depths of the Adriatic, while the main collection includes works of art by Venetian masters and valuable gifts from local Bol families. Liturgical objects, Glagolitic language books and rare furniture from nearby hermit monasteries are of particular value.
The collection of mass vestments and the archive of books and various decrees, manuscripts and documents several hundred years old are especially interesting. The numismatic collection also contains some exceptionally rare examples of ancient coins. During the renovation of the museum space, some of the exhibits were also restored. These include an 18th-century cloak and a 15th-century reliquary. The votive gifts of the Bol believers are presented as part of the exhibition called Our Lady’s Gold or Our Lady’s Jewellery. Also considered particularly valuable is the altar painting of Our Lady with Child and Saints from Tintoretto’s workshop, while the altars there are considered to be among the most beautiful on the whole island.
It is also very interesting to note that the view of the complex can be enjoyed from the beach right next to the monastery, which is, very appropriately, called Monastery Beach. It is a pebble beach, to which the monastery gives a special charm.
As touched on above, beautiful Bol on Brač is the oldest coastal settlement on the largest Dalmatian island and one of the strongest names in Croatian tourism. It is located on the southern side of the island of Brač as the only larger settlement on that part of the island, and its name comes from the Latin word vallum, which means a settlement fortified with earth, or a burial. Croatia’s most stunning monastery is just one of the incredible things you’ll find there. One of the many is Paloc, also known as a house within a house, while on top of all the above is the highest Croatian island peak, the amazing Vidova Gora.
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