ISLAND BRAC, FOLLOWING OLIVE OIL DROPS ON FAMOUS STONE

27. March 2020. By Justin Pupavac

Island Brac, not only largest but the tallest Croatian island, is known for its immense diversity, untacked nature, rich history spanning over centuries and olive oil trees. More than 30% olive oil trees are grown on this one island. Brac also has an indigenous olive sort grown only on the island and it’s called Buhavica. It used to be one of the best grown sorts on the island but today you can find around only 50 of them near to a small village Novo Selo. Looking way back in 18^th century under the Venetian rule, olive oil production grew rapidly and that is because in that time, there was a penalty for everyone damaging any olive oil tree. There is a romantic story following olive oil production on this majestic island that is also dating from the 18^th century, if you were to get married on the island you and future spouse were supposed to plant 100 olive trees.

If you really want to experience this olive tree heaven, you should embark on a journey in October and November. You will enjoy roads slick with olive oil. The whole island stops, families gather and start picking. After weeks of picking, families take their olives to old olive presses that can be found in many small villages on the island.

One more unique souvenir from this majestic island is Brac Stone which is widely known for it’s quality. nSome of the most famous builders and sculptors such as Juraj Dalmatinac and Niccolo Fiorention applied their creative skills to Brac stone creating famous masterpieces. Some of the most famous buildings in Croatia made of Brac stone are Palace of Diocletian, the Cathedral of St James in Šibenik and the Cathedral of St Lawrence in Trogir which have been under World Heritage (UNESCO) protection. The White House in Washington DC, Pope’s altar in the Vatican and Parliament House in Vienna and Budapest were also built from stone originally from Brac.

Island Brac has many unique experiences that can ease every travelers need to explore and discover. And when you decide to enjoy crystal-clear sea and warm sun, you can enjoy on Brac’s famous sandy beach Bol.