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Nerežišća – a stone jewel in the heart of Brač

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In the very heart of the island of Brač, with an area of 90 square kilometers and 25 kilometers of a pristine coastline, lies the Municipality of Nerežišća, fascinating and wondrous blend of natural wealth, true cultural and historical treasures and exceptional development potentials. The review of historical documents reveals that Nerežišća, enthroned in the year 1000. by Venetian doge Peter II. Orseolo, have been an administrative, religious and economic center of the island for more than eight centuries. Today they are inhabited with about one thousand people involved in the industry, livestock and stone masonry, and from three belonging villages – Nerežišća, Donji Humac and Dračevica – none is situated on the coast.

Among many natural beauties this insular municipality is proud of, we must mention the largest shelter of Aleppo pine in the entire Mediterranean region, located on the western slopes of the Vidova mount, from which, thanks to an altitude of 778 meters, all central Dalmatian and the most distant open sea islands, can be seen as on the palm of the hand. Vidova mount, the highest insular mountain peak on the entire Adriatic, is a favourite excursion destination – in addition to marvelous view, it offers autochthonous gastronomic delicacies that are served in an authentic tavern atmosphere and will satisify even the most demanding palate. We also highly recommend a tour of the Blaca desert, a former clerical refugee from the Turkish invasion and now a museum, which due to the centuries-old material and spiritual enhancement, has become a real gemstone of inestimable cultural and historical value.

Of a particular significance are small, pictoresque churches , built in the period from 11th to 18th century, among which the most impressive is the Parish church, called the Cathedral of Brač due to its beautiful baroque facade and sumptuous interior. However, a special curiosity and a real treasure for historians and connoisseurs is the famous Dragon’s Cave, whose carved reliefs, as well as their interpretation, represent a challenge even to the most skilled. Scientists still fail to determine the chronological order of their occurrence, and to explain with certainty the meaning of interesting and mystical reliefs, which apparently unite Slavic myths with early Christian symbols.

Oasis of natural beauty and a bright future

The immense cultural and historical wealth and unspoiled nature, combined with the creative potential of the citizens who truly love their Nerežišća, guarantee a bright future ahead of this insular municipality. In this regard, of a particular relevance is a commited involvement of the municipal major Lovro Kuščević, in arranging valuable investments that in the coming years will make Nerežišća a must-see tourist destination with a wide range of services; and as for local people, a desirable place to live.

Among many ambitious projects, we must emphasize the development of medicine and exclusive tourism, which are to allow the creation of more than a thousand jobs, which would indirectly prevent the population outflow, a social phenomenon which unfortunately affects insular areas with poor living quality. But this is not the case with Nerežišća – as a part of praiseworthy health tourism project, supported by the Swiss investor Verica Trust, about 700 jobs will be opened, including those for highly educated population.

The project involves the construction of four specialized surgery clinics, the internal clinics for women and children with developmental disabilities with the corresponding diagnostic center, whereas at the guests’ disposition, there will be two water fun parks for children, as well as wellness and spa facilities. In addition to slow roadways, the zones will be connected by walkways through the countryside – it was the relaxing landscape, an abundance of herbs and beneficial island’s climate, to encourage investors to recognize the enormous potential of this area. It is expected that the project will start operating in three to four years, and will be maintained throughout the year, which would be the first example of year-round tourism on our coast. Mayor Kuščević points out that the realization of this project implies the exceptional attention dedicated to environmental protection – the execution of works is planned in strict compliance with environmental standards.

Another major project is the development of exclusive tourism – the construction of hotel complexes, villas, marina, sports facilities and numerous other attractions – there will be approximately 5000 beds in 35 thousand square meters. A group of Canadian investors, Dalmi Resort International, has been selected to support the realization of this project, which is, thanks to the opening of about 500 new jobs, expected to stimulate the increase and branching of new economic activities. In addition to the expansion and improvement of Nerežišća’s tourist offer, the goal of the project is to retain the population, and even to encourage the return of the emigrants. In this regard, the employment of 150 people in the bussiness zone Balun-Vrpovlje is a remarkable success, and preliminary agreements were concluded with ten more investors. The construction of subsidized housing apartments, which are now home of several local families, is also completed.

Municipality of Nerežišća has all of the preconditions required for the development and evaluation of their plans and projects. Besides offering more quality and varied tourist services, there is a noble intention behind these initiatives – to restore life to our islands. We hope with all our hearts, that Nerežišća will set a positive trend, which will be properly followed by other insular municipalities as well.

Općina Nerežišća

21423 Nerežišća
Tel.: 021 637 059
Tel.: 021 637 186
Tel.: 021 637 300
Fax.: 021 637 058
E-mail: [email_link email=”op-nerezisca@st.t-com.hr” variation=”slategrey”]op-nerezisca@st.t-com.hr[/email_link]

This post is also available in: Croatian