Dol

The combative history of the place Dol, first taken note of in 1137, manifests itself most clearly in the village church: it lies directly behind the bridge at the entrance to the place, and of "Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates" there can be no talk here. Only loopholes on the bell tower let light into the interior. The rest of the 200-soul village is built just as defensively. Out of roughly hewn natural stones the houses nestle as though in camouflage against the rock face eaten away by caves - a welcome place of refuge for rebels and partisans whenever the military advanced once again. In other respects too the region radiates pure pragmatism. Thus in the 10th century a sarcophagus was promptly used as the church door for the nearby Sv. Mihovil! You will find this church if you follow the scent of wild mint and the shade of sturdy pines a little outside the place on well-frequented walking paths. Also worth seeing are the surprisingly pink village chapel and the cemetery chapel of Sv. Petar, for its bell from the 14th or 15th century is the oldest on the whole island.