As part of the nationwide Museum Night event, a special program titled Blaca – Stories from the Hermitage! will take place at the Nerežišća Gallery on Friday, January 30, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The program brings together history, culture, music, and social gathering in a unique evening dedicated to the Blaca Hermitage.
Inspired by the writings of Don Nikola Milićević the Elder, former administrator of the Blaca monastery and author of Historical Notes on the Blaca Hermitage written 130 years ago, the organisers aim to highlight the exceptional importance of the Blaca Hermitage as one of Brač’s most valuable cultural landmarks. Through engaging stories from the past and visions for the future, visitors will gain insight into the rich heritage of this unique site.
Special attention is given to the Blaca House, a now-ruined 18th-century building located at the very entrance to Nerežišća. Once used as temporary accommodation for priests and for storing olive oil, honey, and wine, the building is currently in the planning phase of restoration, symbolically linking the past and future of the Blaca Hermitage.
The program also explores the musical life of Blaca. Beyond the well-known legend of twelve men carrying a piano to the Blaca Hermitage over eight hours, visitors will hear lesser-known musical stories. The musical traditions of the monastery, including organs, violin, and gramophone, will be presented by Mislav Čargo, a young music theorist, choir conductor, and organist.
One of the true treasures of the Blaca Hermitage is its rich library, preserving centuries of knowledge through books, manuscripts, and documents. What was read in Blaca over the past five centuries will be presented by Professor and archivist Valentino Jakšić, who describes the library as a hermitage “Google without electricity or internet.”
The past of Blaca will also be brought to life by former students of the Blaca school, while the team from the Brač Cultural Centre will present stories and future plans through a photo exhibition and a virtual museum tour.
As part of Museum Night, visitors will also be able to visit the Church of St Peter and Paul in Nerežišća, known for its Brač bonsai — a small black pine growing on the roof of the church — and for the renowned relief by Brač sculptor Nikola Lazanić located inside.
Alongside the educational program, visitors can enjoy a relaxed social atmosphere with local music and sweet treats prepared by the hosts.
