About Dubrovnik’s Franciscan Church and Monastery
The Franciscan Church and Monastery, a gem of 13th-century medieval architecture, is one of the best places to visit in the heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
Franciscan Monastery and Church in Dubrovnik, also known as Franciscan Friary, was founded in 1317 and stands as a symbol of the city’s religious and architectural heritage. It is part of a complex that includes a church, a museum, and a pharmacy, one of the oldest still functioning in Europe.
Its architecture is stunning, so it’s also one of the most popular photo spots in Dubrovnik, especially its cloister.
The peaceful cloister provides a serene atmosphere for exploring the building. Its looks are remarkable, and it would be easy to think this is elsewhere in Europe and not Croatia.
Beyond the appeal as a beautiful building, the Franciscan Monastery and Church in Dubrovnik is a key historical and cultural landmark, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich past.
The church is known for its simple yet stunning architecture, with a Baroque interior contrasting its plain exterior. It is a place of quiet reflection where you can admire intricate artworks, including notable paintings and sculptures.
The museum within the Franciscan Monastery houses a limited but impressive collection of artifacts, rare manuscripts, old books, and religious relics, along with artworks that highlight the significance of the monastery throughout the centuries.
The Franciscan Monastery also features the famous Old Pharmacy, established in 1317, the oldest still-functioning pharmacy in Europe. Inside, you can see ancient remedies and medical equipment.
The monastery’s location within the Old Town makes it an ideal stop while exploring this fascinating UNESCO-listed city. The peaceful cloister, rich history, and quiet beauty offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city’s streets.
Opening hours and price
Dubrovnik’s Franciscan Church and Monastery is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, except in the winter when it closes at 2 PM (November to the end of March).
Entry to the Franciscan Monastery is free with the Dubrovnik Pass, otherwise it costs 6 EUR.
We highly recommend getting the Dubrovnik Pass for your visit to Dubrovnik. It will save you a lot of money and the hassle of buying separate tickets.
Read our full Dubrovnik Pass Review & Guide to learn all about its benefits.
Is it worth visiting the Franciscan Church and Monastery in Dubrovnik?
In our opinion, the Franciscan Church and Monastery is absolutely worth visiting when coming to Dubrovnik. It’s stunning architecturally, significant historically and is one of the only more peaceful spots in the Old Town of Dubrovnik, which you can escape to.
Do note that it’s also one of the top photo spots in Dubrovnik. So, if you want great photos, come early!
We loved our short visit, and not having to pay the extra ticket since we had the Dubrovnik Pass was a great way to save some money (and spend it on extra ice cream!).
Continue reading
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