Dominican Monastery Bol
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Dominican Monastery Bol

4.7
·524 reviews·Bol, Croatia

A historic 15th-century Dominican Monastery on Brač Island, featuring a Tintoretto altar, ancient artifacts, and stunning Adriatic Sea views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or Late Afternoon

Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Dominican Monastery Bol

Dominican Monastery Bol

Best Time

Morning or Late Afternoon

Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 15th-century Dominican Monastery on Brač Island, featuring a Tintoretto altar, ancient artifacts, and stunning Adriatic Sea views.

4.7
(524 reviews)

"Beautiful monastery built on the shore of the Adriatic Sea with an interesting museum."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶 Easy Walk from Bol Harbour

The monastery is a pleasant stroll from Bol Harbour. Look for signs, or use Google Maps to guide you. :walking:

🏛️ Explore the Museum

Don't miss the museum's collection of artifacts, church songbooks, and treasures. Texts are in English and Croatian. :museum:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Church of St. Mary of Mercy

Church of St. Mary of Mercy

Main church building

Admire the 16th-century Baroque architecture and the main altar by Jacopo Tintoretto.

Monastery Museum

Monastery Museum

Inside the monastery

Discover ancient artifacts from the Adriatic Sea and Roman Empire, including old songbooks and treasures.

Seaside Gardens and Views

Seaside Gardens and Views

Monastery grounds

Stroll through serene gardens offering breathtaking views of the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea.

Martinica Beach

Martinica Beach

Adjacent to the monastery

Relax on this beautiful beach, offering shade and stunning perspectives of the monastery.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to the Dominican Monastery

Beat the crowds by visiting early in the morning or late afternoon. The monastery is a peaceful escape, and arriving outside peak hours enhances the serene atmosphere. Consider the season; summer offers warm weather for exploring the grounds.

Navigating to the Monastery

Easily accessible by foot from Bol Harbour, the monastery is a pleasant walk along the promenade. Signs can be subtle, so using Google Maps is recommended for a smooth arrival. Enjoy the scenic route as you approach this historic gem.

Best Times

When
Morning or Late Afternoon
Why
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Confections made by nuns in a monastery! #pumpkinbread #toffee #peanutbrittle #confection #confections #nuns #monastery #convent #dominicannuns #monasteryofgoodies #losangeles #baking #monasteryoftheangels #hollywood #hiddengems #food #desserts #homemade
@luiscarloszara
26.7K likes • 218K views

🚶 Easy Walk from Bol Harbour

The monastery is a pleasant stroll from Bol Harbour. Look for signs, or use Google Maps to guide you. :walking:

🏛️ Explore the Museum

Don't miss the museum's collection of artifacts, church songbooks, and treasures. Texts are in English and Croatian. :museum:

8 years here and this is the first time I’ve played at the Dominican monastery on Brač. Located on the southern side of the island in Bol, it was founded in the 15th century and the gardens offer a beautiful space for intimate or larger weddings. The sea wraps around the monastery offering a welcome breeze and the fragrant pine trees bring shelter from the heat of the summer sun. Can you feel the...
michelle.rowsell
66 likes • 2.2K views
Dominican monastery in Bol was built on the peninsula Glavica in 1475. Next to the Dominican monastery is a church of St. Mary of Mercy, built and rebuilt at various stages throughout the 16th century. It received its present-day Baroque form in 1641. The main altar, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, is the work of the world-famous Venetian painter Jacopo Tintoretto. #dominicanmonastery #mona...
bolcroatia
1.1K likes • 41.6K views

📸 Stunning Seaside Views

Capture beautiful photos of the monastery against the backdrop of the Adriatic Sea. :camerawithflash:

🏖️ Relax at Martinica Beach

Enjoy the adjacent Martinica Beach for a refreshing dip or simply to soak in the views. :beachwithumbrella:

You really have to visit this beach when you’re on Brač island. The dominican monastery in Bol, it really has to be experienced in person. 😍
croatia_vacations
12.6K likes • 181.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶 Easy Walk from Bol Harbour

The monastery is a pleasant stroll from Bol Harbour. Look for signs, or use Google Maps to guide you. :walking:

🏛️ Explore the Museum

Don't miss the museum's collection of artifacts, church songbooks, and treasures. Texts are in English and Croatian. :museum:

📸 Stunning Seaside Views

Capture beautiful photos of the monastery against the backdrop of the Adriatic Sea. :camerawithflash:

🏖️ Relax at Martinica Beach

Enjoy the adjacent Martinica Beach for a refreshing dip or simply to soak in the views. :beachwithumbrella:

💰 Affordable Entry

The entrance fee is reasonably priced compared to other Croatian attractions. :moneywithwings:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(524 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Dominican Monastery for its beautiful seaside location, rich history, and well-maintained museum. The affordable entrance fee and the adjacent Martinica Beach are frequently highlighted as significant draws. While the signage can be a bit unclear, the overall experience is considered very positive and worthwhile.

"The Dominican Monastery is a church of St. Mary of Mercy built in the 16th century. The altar is the work of the Venetian painter Jacopo Tintoretto. Which also housing a museum which holds archaeological artifacts from the Adriatic sea and Roman Empire. Beautiful crystal clear waters surround the site"

philip scalena

"Lovely small monestary and museum with quite a few artefacts, some dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries.
Easy to walk to from Bol Harbour."

Lynette finch

"Good to visit this place, you can find something new about history, art and old fragments at the island Brać or from the sea around.. Very nice experience and ticket for entrance is not so expensive like another places in Croatia."

Elea Arne Owensova

What People Like

Beautiful seaside location
Interesting historical museum
Affordable entrance fee

What People Dislike

Subtle signage

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Dominican Monastery is easily accessible by foot from Bol Harbour, located along the promenade. While signs are present, using Google Maps can help ensure you find it smoothly. InstagramReddit

Parking information is not widely available, but walking from Bol Harbour is the recommended and most convenient method. Reddit

While direct public transport to the monastery isn't specified, Bol is well-connected, and walking from the town center is a pleasant option. Reddit

Combine a visit to the monastery with a stroll along the promenade and relaxation at the adjacent Martinica Beach for a complete experience. Instagram+1

Yes, the walk from Bol Harbour along the promenade offers beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea, making the journey enjoyable. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Specific opening hours are not detailed, but it's generally advisable to visit during daylight hours. Checking local listings or inquiring upon arrival is recommended. Reddit

The entrance ticket is considered reasonably priced, especially when compared to other attractions in Croatia, making it a good value visit. Reddit

Advance booking is typically not required for the Dominican Monastery. Tickets can usually be purchased upon arrival. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, local tour operators might offer combined tours. Inquire locally or with activity providers like @paddle.and.explore for potential options. Instagram+1

Yes, the museum is typically included with the entrance ticket, allowing visitors to explore its collections. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Views

Capture stunning shots of the monastery from Martinica Beach, the surrounding gardens, and along the promenade. The altar by Tintoretto is also a key photographic subject. Instagram+2

Photography rules inside the museum may vary. It's best to check for signage or ask staff before taking pictures of the artifacts. Reddit

Expect breathtaking views of the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea and the surrounding coastline from the monastery grounds. Instagram+1

Drone usage regulations can be strict. It's advisable to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light can offer beautiful golden hour shots, especially with the sea as a backdrop. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Visit the Church of St. Mary of Mercy, explore the museum with its historical artifacts, wander through the gardens, and enjoy the seaside views. InstagramReddit

A visit to the monastery and its museum is relatively short, often taking around an hour, allowing ample time for other activities. Reddit

Information on accessibility is limited. The grounds may have uneven surfaces, and it's advisable to inquire directly about specific needs. Reddit

Founded in the 15th century, it houses a significant collection of art and artifacts, including works by Venetian masters and items from ancient civilizations. InstagramReddit+1

Restroom facilities might be available. Cafes are not typically part of the monastery itself, but Bol town offers many dining options. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Dominican Monastery offers a blend of history and natural beauty that can appeal to families. The museum provides an engaging way to introduce children to historical artifacts and stories, with texts available in English. Reddit The adjacent Martinica Beach is a fantastic spot for kids to play in the sand and enjoy the clear waters, with the added benefit of natural shade. Instagram Consider a visit during the cooler parts of the day to ensure comfort for younger visitors. The easy walk from Bol Harbour also makes it accessible for families with strollers. Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers and couples, the Dominican Monastery offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to immerse yourselves in history and stunning coastal scenery. The serene gardens and seaside views provide perfect backdrops for quiet contemplation or romantic moments. Instagram+1 Exploring the well-curated museum at your own pace allows for a deeper appreciation of the artifacts. Reddit Combine your visit with a leisurely walk along the promenade and a relaxing afternoon at Martinica Beach for a well-rounded experience. Instagram+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Dominican Monastery and its surroundings are a dream for photographers. Capture the monastery's architecture against the vibrant blue of the Adriatic Sea, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset. Instagram+2 Martinica Beach offers unique perspectives of the monastery and is ideal for capturing coastal landscapes. Instagram+1 Don't forget to photograph the intricate details within the museum, such as the ancient songbooks and treasures, though be mindful of any photography restrictions. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History and Art

The Dominican Monastery in Bol stands as a testament to centuries of history, founded in the 15th century on the Glavica peninsula. Instagram+1 Its Church of St. Mary of Mercy, largely shaped in the 17th century, features a main altar by the renowned Venetian painter Jacopo Tintoretto. Instagram The monastery complex also includes a museum that safeguards a rich collection of valuable artworks and archaeological finds. InstagramReddit

Visitors can explore rooms displaying ancient Latin church songbooks, intricate ecclesiastical gold and silver treasures, and ceremonial vestments. Reddit Artifacts recovered from the Adriatic Sea and remnants from the Roman Empire offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's past. Reddit The museum is well-curated, with informative texts available in both English and Croatian, making the historical context accessible to a wider audience. Reddit

Beyond the museum, the monastery grounds offer a serene environment. The site is embraced by the tranquil waters of the Adriatic and sheltered by fragrant pine trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Instagram This blend of historical significance, artistic treasures, and natural beauty makes the Dominican Monastery a compelling destination for those interested in culture and history. Instagram

The Seaside Charm of Martinica Beach

Adjacent to the Dominican Monastery lies Martinica Beach, a picturesque spot that complements the historical site with its natural beauty. Instagram+1 This beach offers a unique perspective of the monastery, allowing visitors to appreciate its architecture from a different vantage point. Instagram The clear, crystal-blue waters of the Adriatic Sea provide an inviting setting for a refreshing swim or simply to relax by the shore. Instagram+1

One of the key advantages of Martinica Beach is the natural shade provided by the surrounding pine trees, offering respite from the Mediterranean sun. Instagram This makes it an ideal place to unwind after exploring the monastery's museum and grounds. Reddit The beach is also noted for its tranquil ambiance, contributing to the overall peaceful experience of visiting this part of Bol. Instagram

For those seeking a more active experience, water activities are available nearby, with providers like @paddle.and.explore offering tours and rentals. Instagram+1 Whether you're looking for a quiet moment of reflection by the sea or a refreshing dip, Martinica Beach offers a perfect complement to your visit to the Dominican Monastery. Instagram

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