The famous desert is located on a steep cliff on the south side of the island of Brac, between Bol and Milna. The place was founded by Glagolitic priests from Poljica who fled to Brač at 16th century in front of Ottomans. They hid in a cave around which the monks built a church and a monastery over time. The monastery was not only a religious place, but also the center of life of that part of the island: fama, school, library and observatory. They monks kept cattle, produced wine, olive oil and honey, traded this products with Venice. The monastery has the second largest telescope in Europe, but isn't currently in use. Nowadays, the monastery has been abandoned and is open to the public as a museum with many fascinating exhibits. Visiting the Desert is a unique experience because it is isolated from civilization, half hour walk from the nearest road.