Dominican monastery

The Dominican Monastery of Dubrovnik is a place of extraordinary beauty and historical significance, located in the heart of the Old City. Founded in 1315, the monastery was built with the support of the local government and the contribution of many local and foreign craftsmen. This complex is not only a religious monument, but also a fortress that played a crucial role in defending the city against external threats. The construction of the monastery began in the 14th century and continued until the 16th century, combining various architectural styles that reflect the different historical phases of the site. The monastery was built against the city walls to strengthen its northeastern flank, a strategic position that contributed to its resilience during conflicts, including the devastation of the 1667 earthquake. Miraculously, the monastery managed to survive this natural disaster, a testament to the skill of its builders. One of the most impressive elements of the monastery is the Gothic church, one of the largest on the eastern Adriatic coast. The church features a wide single nave and a Gothic pentagonal apse, separated from the rest of the structure by three high Gothic arches. The south portal, designed by Bonino di Milano in 1419, adds a touch of elegance with its pointed Gothic arch. Inside, the church is enriched with stone furnishings, a grand pulpit, and Renaissance tombs. The monastery’s Gothic cloister, designed by the Florentine master Maso di Bartolomeo and executed by Croatian stonemasons, is a place of peace and reflection. Its elegant triple arcades surround a Mediterranean garden, creating an oasis of tranquility in the midst of the city. At the center of the cloister, an ancient 14th-century well continues to function, bearing witness to monastic life and centuries-old traditions. The monastery’s bell tower, begun in the 16th century and completed in the 18th century, is one of the most important landmarks in the Old City. During the Napoleonic occupation of Dubrovnik in 1806, the monastery was used as a stable, a sign of its strategic importance even in times of war. The monastery museum houses a rich collection of art and religious artifacts. Among the most notable pieces are the large Gothic crucifix by Paolo Veneziano from the 14th century, one of the largest painted crucifixes in Europe, and the altar of Saint Dominic, a work by the famous Venetian painter Titian and his assistants. The collection also includes works by Lovro Dobričević, Mihajlo Hamzić, and Nikola Božidarević, representatives of the Dubrovnik painting school of the 15th and 16th centuries. Another fascinating part of the monastery is its library, which preserves over 220 incunabula, numerous illuminated manuscripts, and an archive rich in precious documents. This collection of books and manuscripts is a testament to the monastery’s role as a center of knowledge and culture over the centuries.