On the island of Brač, hidden among the maquis and olive groves, lie silent witnesses to one of the greatest construction feats of the ancient world. Telegrine – abandoned white stone quarries – are places where Roman masters extracted blocks for Diocletian's Palace 1700 years ago. Today, these are forgotten labyrinths awaiting curious travelers ready to explore something beyond sun and sea.
Brač Stone: The White Gold of the Adriatic
Brač limestone is no ordinary stone. Distinctively white with a subtle golden shimmer, this material adorns some of the world's most famous buildings – from the White House in Washington to the Vienna Parliament. But its story begins right here, on the sun-drenched slopes of Brač.
The Romans recognized the quality of this stone back in the 3rd century when Emperor Diocletian decided to build his palace in nearby Split. He needed a material worthy of an emperor – resistant to sea salt, weather conditions, and of course, aesthetically flawless. Brač stone was the perfect choice.
Five Quarries You Must Visit
1. Plate – The Largest and Most Impressive
Located between Pučišća and Splitska, the Plate quarry is the largest abandoned quarry on the island. Here you can see enormous steps cut into the living rock – traces of systematic extraction of stone blocks that sailed toward the imperial palace.
Practical tip: You can reach Plate via a macadam road from Pučišća (about 3 km). Bring sturdy footwear and plenty of water as there is no shade. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn't too strong.
2. Stražišće – A View You'll Remember Forever
This quarry offers something the others don't – a spectacular view of the Split Channel and the mainland. As you walk among the abandoned stone blocks, Split can be glimpsed in the distance, a reminder of where all this stone traveled.
Fun fact: Local residents say that on clear days you can see even Mount Biokovo from Stražišće. A good reason to visit this place at different times of day.
3. Rasohe – A Hidden Gem
The most difficult to access, but also the most authentic quarry. Rasohe has retained an almost untouched appearance from Roman times. Here you won't find signs or markers – just you, the stone, and silence that has lasted for centuries.
How to get there: You'll need a local guide or detailed directions from residents of Pučišća. This is not a trip for the unprepared, but the reward is priceless.
4. Škrip – Stone and History in One
The quarry near the oldest settlement on the island offers a unique combination of natural and cultural heritage. After your tour, you can visit Škrip itself with its museum and remains of Illyrian and Roman architecture.
Recommendation: Combine your quarry visit with lunch in Škrip. The local tavern Kopačina offers traditional Brač lamb cooked under the bell – a perfect end to a day spent exploring.
5. Pučišća – A Living Quarry with a Historical Soul
The only quarry on our list that is still operational, but with sections that bear witness to Roman exploitation. Pučišća is also home to the prestigious Stonemasonry School, the only one of its kind in Croatia, where the tradition of stone carving has been alive for more than a century.
Don't miss: Visit the Stonemasonry School and watch young masters create masterpieces from the same stone that adorned Diocletian's Palace. Tours can be arranged in advance.
Traces of Empire in Stone
As you walk through these quarries, pay attention to the details. In some places, you can still see grooves for wooden wedges – a technique the Romans used to separate blocks. They would pour water on the wood until it swelled and split the stone exactly where they wanted.
In places, you'll notice unfinished blocks, abandoned due to hidden cracks in the stone. These škarci, as local stonemasons call them, are silent witnesses to the strict quality standards that applied even in imperial times.
When to Visit and Where to Stay
The best time to explore the quarries is spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October). In summer, temperatures are too high for comfortable walking, and in winter, it can be slippery after rain.
For accommodation, we recommend Pučišća or Postira – both places offer an authentic experience of island life far from mass tourism. Apartments with sea views and traditional stone houses are the perfect base for exploring the island.
Through the BarbaBooking platform, you can find accommodation near all the described locations, from rustic stone houses to modern apartments with pools.
Tips for Exploration
- Footwear: Sturdy shoes or ankle boots are essential – the terrain is uneven and rocky
- Water: Bring at least 2 liters per person – there are no springs or shops nearby
- Protection: Hat, sunscreen, and long pants because of the maquis
- Photography: The best light is during the golden hour – one hour before sunset
- Guide: For Rasohe and harder-to-reach locations, hire a local guide through the tourist board in Supetar
More Than Stone
Visiting Brač's quarries isn't just a history lesson – it's a pilgrimage to the source of one of the most beautiful structures in the Mediterranean. The next time you stroll through the Peristyle of Diocletian's Palace, you'll know that you're walking on stone that passed through the same hands, the same tools, and the same sun as what you'll encounter in the silence of Brač's telegrine.
And that realization, believe me, changes the entire experience of both Split and Brač.