An amazing story of the Dragon's Cave on Brač

Of all those secluded places on the island of Brač, the Dragon's Cave has always attracted the most attention. Its uniqueness is in the magnificent interior decorated with carved reliefs - according to some these are the most valuable works on the island - and the story it tells is fascinating.

 

Dragon's Cave is hidden away from human eyes, on the southern slopes of the island of Brač, above a small village Murvica, in a beautiful, yet unspoiled typically Mediterranean environment. It is located at an altitude of 307 meters above sea level and about one kilometer west of the highest peak of the island, Vidova gora. It is also known as Dragon's Cave (from Latin dragos - dragon), and with its size, surrounding landscape, and especially carved reliefs in its interior, it really deserves special attention. It was named after a dragon carved into the rock.

 

The Dragon's Cave is a monument to the monastic life of a Glagolitic priest from the 15th century, both christian and pagan. It is assumed that they founded Blaca hermitage later.

 

To this day, Slavic myths about werewolves, fairies, witches and nightmares have persisted, as well as Orkomarin, a one-eyed giant who lives in a cave. In this cave is petrified the history of an exiled people who reconciled their ancient pagan faith with the christian conception of the world. It is this combination of different beliefs and superstitions that is shown in the relief after which the cave got its name. Many scholars have tried to explain the meaning of the relief - most believe it contains elements of Slavic mythology and christian iconography, and the spirituality of the people who lived there seems to have reconciled and permeated both beliefs.

 

A visit to the Dragon's Cave is only possible with a guide. The trip lasts 4 hours, and more than an hour takes a walk to the cave. For a trip to the cave it is necessary to have appropriate clothing, footwear and water.