Dominican Friary, Dubrovnik

View of the Dominican Monastery (right) from the port of Dubrovnik.
Photo Br Lawrence Lew, OP.

Stairway to the Romanesque south door. Photo Br Lawrence Lew, OP.

Dominican friars in their Gothic cloister. Photo Br Lawrence Lew, OP.

14th-century well in the tranquil cloister. Photo Br Lawrence Lew, OP.

The 14th-century priory church. Photo Br Lawrence Lew, OP.

14th-century gilded crucifix in the church. Photo Br Lawrence Lew, OP.

The 14th-century Dominican Friary (Dominikanski Samostan) in Dubrovnik features a lovely Gothic cloister, a working medieval well in tranquil gardens, and a fine museum of religious artwork.

History

Dubrovnik's Dominican Friary was founded in 1315 and built with the help of the local government and many local and foreign craftsmen. The monastery was constructed against the city wall to strengthen its northeastern flank.

Like so many buildings in the city, the monastery was extensively rebuilt after the earthquake of 1667. Over the centuries, the monastery has played an important role in cultural activities in the city.

What to See

An impressive stairway with a stone balustrade leads to the south church door, a Romensque work of Bonino of Milan. Above the door is a Romanesque statue of St. Dominic, founder of the Dominican order. In 1419, the door was surrounded by a Gothic ogee arch, surmounted by a statue of Christ.

Inside, the 14th-century church has a wide single nave. A drastic re-design in the 1970s resulted in the complete destruction of the old High Altar and sanctuary. Hanging from the central arch is a splendid rood cross by Paolo Veneziano (c.1300-62), given to the church as a votive offering in 1384. It is said to be one of the largest painted crucifixes in Europe, at 500 cm tall.

The monastery's Gothic cloister (1456-83) was designed by the Florentine architect Maso di Bartolomeo and crafted by Croatian masons. The graceful triple arches of the cloister surround a peaceful Mediterranean garden.

In the center of the cloister garden is a 14th-century well, which still works. During the 1991 war, several hours each morning were spent drawing water from this well. It is estimated to have provided water to 50 percent of the city's bombarded population.

The bell tower of the Dominican monastery is a major landmark in the Old City. It was begun in the 16th century and completed in the 18th century.

A major highlight of the monastery is its Dominican Museum (Muzej Dominikanskog Samostana), which displays fine religious art from Dubrovnik, Venice and elsewhere.

Paintings, triptychs, silver church vessels, and a reliquary purportedly containing the skull of King Stephen I of Hungary are part of the museum's rich collection.

Especially notable among the paintings are St. Blaise, St. Mary Magdalene, the Angel Tobias and the Purchaser by Titian and a 16th-century Annuciation by Niccolo Ragusino of the Dubrovnik school.

Getting There

Dubrovnik's Dominican Friary is located off a narrow passageway behind the Sponza Palace leading to the Ploce Gate.

Quick Facts

Names:	Dominican Friary; Dominican Monastery; Dominikanski Samostan
Type of site:	Christian monastery
Faith:	Roman Catholic (Dominican Order)
Status:	Active
Date:	1315
Architecture:	Gothic
Location:	Sveti Dominika 4, Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia
Phone:	385/26-472
Hours:	Daily 9am-6pm; closes 3pm in winter
Cost:	Museum admission 10kn ($1.75)

Travel Resources

Dubrovnik Map - our interactive map plus links to more online maps
Dubrovnik Hostels - search and book budget lodgings
Dubrovnik Hotel Reviews - unbiased opinions from fellow travelers
Dubrovnik Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice from experienced travelers and locals

Sources

Frommer's Croatia, 1st ed. (Frommer's, 2006).
Eyewitness Travel Guide to Croatia (London: Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2005).
Dubrovnik - Lawrence Lew, O.P.

Location Map

Below is a location map and aerial view of the Dominican Monastery in Dubrovnik. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Dubrovnik Map or get our free Google Earth download.