Hotel History
Boutique Hotel Brattia in Postira, on the island of Brač, is a unique example of a complete architectural restoration of a public-use building from the mid-19th century, as well as a fundamental reconstruction of a residential and agricultural structure, including the amenities typical of that era.
The first building, over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, served as a primary school, kindergarten, and medical clinic. The earliest records of the building appear on maps from the 1820s, and it was extensively renovated in 1875 during a visit from the Austro-Hungarian Emperor. Emperor Franz Joseph and the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy left a significant mark on the history of Brač and Dalmatia, contributing to the construction of ports, infrastructure, and institutions that form the foundation of present-day Croatia, a member of the European Union.
Since then, only minor alterations were made until the recent comprehensive renovation, which required a multidisciplinary project for the structure and facade, carried out by top contractors under expert supervision. During the reconstruction, a Kreuzer coin from that era was discovered within the wall, believed to have been left there by the builders for good luck.
The second building housed living quarters on the upper floors, while the ground floor was used for producing and storing wine, olive oil, and other agricultural products. The owners also held the surrounding land, where the settlement gradually expanded. The building has been faithfully reconstructed from the ground up, along with a well for drinking water and an auxiliary structure, a stable for livestock.
The name “Boutique Hotel Brattia” comes from the ancient name for Brač, first recorded by Gaius Plinius Secundus, better known as Pliny the Elder (23–79 AD), a Roman author and esteemed scientist. He wrote the work Natural History, where he documented various regions of the world.
The island of Brač was mapped by Ptolemy in the 2nd century in a fascinating work that stands as one of the earliest attempts at cartography of the known world. Brač also appears on the Tabula Peutingeriana, a 4th-century map showing the road network of the Roman Empire, which stretches from Britain to North Africa, Persia, and parts of India, and is listed in UNESCO’s documentary heritage collection.
Antiquity
Throughout the Middle Ages, Brač was influenced by various rulers and political powers. In the early Middle Ages, it was under the control of Croatian princes, and later came under the Venetian Republic. During the rule of the Venetians, Brač was prized for its natural resources, especially its high-quality stone used for construction. Agriculture, fishing, and trade also thrived on the island during this period. Venetian control lasted until the late 18th century, after which Brač and Dalmatia briefly fell under French rule during the Napoleonic Wars.
Following the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Dalmatia and Brač became part of the Austrian Empire, the predecessor of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. During this time, Brač continued to develop its traditional industries, with stone quarries, agriculture—especially olives—and fishing remaining vital to the island’s economy.
Modern times
In the dynamic 20th century, Brač became part of several state entities. Today, it belongs to the Republic of Croatia, a member of the European Union.