Dubrovnik and Dalmacija travel guide

Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast
Left Romanesque cloisters Middle Church of St Francis Right Gothic portal
Franciscan Monastery, Stradun
Romanesque Cloisters
Mihoje Brajkov’s magnificent
14th-century cloisters, with their
graceful, double-pillared columns
deserve a close look. Visit in the
early morning or late afternoon,
before they become too crowded.
Inner Courtyard
Step into this inner sanctum
to view the cloisters and admire
the spectacular balustrade that
frames the courtyard.
Frescoes
The life of St Francis and
his animals is depicted in the
frescoes that line the cloisters.
Belltower
The dome-topped belltower
dominating the western end
of the Stradun dates from the
14th century and features Gothic
and Romanesque elements. Its
majestic presence towers over
the monastery courtyard.
Pharmacy
The monastery is home to
one of the oldest pharmacies
in Europe, with a collection of
treatments and pharmacopoeias
dating from the 15th century. The
dispensary is still operational
(8am–2pm, Mon–Sat).
Church of St Francis
Most of the original 14thcentury
church was destroyed by
the Great Earthquake of 1667.
Remarkable features in this 18thcentury
reconstruction include
the lavish marble altars and the
ornate organ framed by cherubs.
Gothic Portal
An imposing Pietà by Petar
and Leonardo Petrovi
all that remains of
the original 14th-century church.
Library
The monastery museum
is home to Croatia’s largest
collection of historical
manuscripts, over 1,200, dating
from the early Middle Ages.
Belltower
Portraits
The library walls are adorned
with portraits of some of the
city’s most celebrated citizens,
including the mathematician
Ruer Boškovi (1711–87).
Ivan Gunduli Memorial
A plaque on the north wall of
the church commemorates the
17th-century poet Ivan Gunduli,
who is buried in the monastery.
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For visitor information for the Fransiscan Monastery and its
museum See p10