Nano-photonics, where optical structures can manipulate light at the sub-wavelength scale, is making important advances towards optical communications, imaging and sensing. A novel platform suitable for fundamental investigations of light propagation through micro-and nano-structures will be discussed. This platform is based on a dielectric multilayer that sustains Bloch surface waves (BSWs). We experimentally and theoretically investigate components including a disk resonator and a photonic nanojet, which are fabricated on a Bloch surface wave platform.