| The Dominican monastery in Bol was built in the 15th century on a beautiful little promontory named Glavica just east of the town, flanked by two perfect shingle beaches. This was the former site of the palace of the Bishop of Brač and Hvar, and in the local vernacular the monastery is still referred to as “the Bishop’s house”. The monastery has a superb historical and religious collection including: prehistoric remains from the Kopačina cave; a collection of coins from all periods of the island’s history; Greek and Roman artefacts recovered from the sea bed; beautiful, ancient sculpture; incunabula and other liturgical texts including items written in the Glagolitic script from the nearby cave monasteries; religious paintings including a beautiful Renaissance altar painting by Tintorello, icons and other beautifully framed works; a collection of historic photographs and rich liturgical robes, silverware and wooden liturgical sculpture. The monastery garden is a delightful seashore oasis. The monastery church of Our Lady of Mercy has some of the most beautiful altars on the island. |