Dragon's Cave is a hermitage monastery built in a cave, and it is one of the most valuable and mystical locations on the entire Brač.
It is also known as Dragonjina Cave (from the Latin name for dragon). Visiting this place leaves no one indifferent, as many myths and legends from ancient times surround the fantastic scenery around the cave.
Where is Dragon's Cave?
Dragon's Cave is hidden far from the eyes of people, on the southern slopes of the island Brač, about 300 meters above sea level above the small village of Murvica near Bol.
It is surrounded by other hermitages and monasteries: Silvio (Dubravčić) to the west, Stipančić Hermitage to the southeast, and Dutić and Dračeva Luka Hermitages to the west of Murvica.
On your way to the cave, you'll pass by the perfectly cultivated vineyards of the famous Stina winery, and your eyes will constantly be drawn towards the sea, Zlatni Rat, and Hvar.
Facts About Dragon's Cave
Dragon's Cave is small, only about 20 meters long, with a large opening that allows daylight to illuminate the entire space. It is divided into three parts:
- Our Lady's Church: A tiny church just 2 meters in size, with an altar carved into the rock
- Small Cells: Where monks prayed, meditated, and slept
- Interior with Reliefs: Carved reliefs around which various legends and stories are woven
The cave is mentioned in historical books only in the 16th century. In 1460, a monk named Juraj Dubravčić, fleeing the Turks, came to Brač from Poljica and established the monastery in the cave.
From this time, a rare example of a Croatian Glagolitic missal from 1483 originates, now kept in the Dominican Monastery Museum in Bol.
The cave's unique and valuable feature is the reliefs carved into the rock. The main relief dominating the space is the dragon.
It was long believed that the cave got its name from this relief and that the reliefs were created during the hermit monks' residence in the cave.
10 Best Photo Spots on Island Brač
Today, many believe that the dragon relief is not the reason for the name, as it can be easily proven that the name predates the relief, and the cave was inhabited in ancient times.
Myths and Legends
While the early period of the cave is shrouded in mystery, historians and archaeologists believe that at least some of the reliefs and dwellings were created before the monks arrived.
Some reliefs contain elements of paganism, and some details of the buildings have ancient features. They believe that the monks found pagan reliefs, including dragons, moon worship, altars, and other motifs, and decided to hire local carvers to erase and replace them with Christian motifs.
Must See Historic Sites on Island Brač
Today, shallow parts of the pagan reliefs can be seen, over which deep Christian reliefs depicting the end of the world were added. It is also fitting that the depiction of the dragon's killing allegorically represents Christianity's victory over paganism.
The name Dragon's Cave is likely related to the Old Slavic god Veles, often depicted as a dragon. Around the cave, in place names, you can recognize the Old Slavic image of the tree of life, with the supreme god Perun at the top, the mulberry tree as a symbol of the sacred tree, and the dragon living beneath it.
Near Murvica, there is a bay called Dračeva Luka. In Greek, the word "drak" means snake or dragon, and in Latin, "drako" (draco) means the same. Additionally, in the centre of the island, near Donji Humac, there is a hill called Dragonjik. "Dragon" is the Italian word for dragon.
Is there any connection between Dragon's (Dračeva) Luka, Dragon's Hill (Dragonjik), and Dragon's Cave? That remains to be discovered.
How to Get to Dragon's Cave
At the entrance to Bol, there is a roundabout from which a road (5.5 km) leads to Zlatni Rat and the small village of Murvica. There, next to a small parking lot, there is a well-visible sign pointing to Dragon's Cave.
Best Things to See and Do in Bol
You will reach the cave after a steep climb of 30-45 minutes. The trail is not marked, and the entrance to the cave is locked to preserve the location so you will need to book a local guide to see the cave.
It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes and clothing, and bring water, and some snacks.
Information About the Tour
To visit the cave, you must book a tour and guide in advance. The local guide and enthusiast praised by all visitors is Zoran Kojdić. You can arrange the tour by calling or messaging +385 91 514 9787 (WhatsApp/Viber) or pozivje@gmail.com.
Guided tours are conducted in three languages: Croatian, English, and German. During the season, booking in advance to get a spot in a group speaking your language is recommended.
The tour lasts 4 hours and usually starts around 8 AM. An hour and a half is spent climbing and arriving at the cave, during which the guide tells the story of Murvica and the cave.
The steep path requires a climb of 300 meters above sea level, half the height of the highest peak on Brač - Vidova Gora.
On the way back, the descent follows a longer but easier path, allowing you to enjoy the view and reflect on the stories you just heard.
…
Visiting Dragon's Cave is challenging but definitely worth it, and you will surely recount your experience of this unique world for years to come.
Dragon's Cave preserves a well-hidden world where Slavic myths about fairies, werewolves, and witches still live, along with Mediterranean tales of Orkomarin, the one-eyed giant who lives in the cave.
