Church of San Salvatore

The Church of San Salvatore (Crkva Svetog Spasa) is a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture in Dubrovnik, located right next to the Pile Gate and the Franciscan Monastery. Built in 1520 as a thanksgiving for the city’s salvation from a devastating earthquake, the church represents a symbol of gratitude and resilience for the citizens of Dubrovnik. The earthquake of May 17, 1520 struck Dubrovnik, causing the death of about twenty people and damaging many buildings. In gratitude for being spared from even greater destruction, the Senate of the Republic of Ragusa decided to build a votive church dedicated to the Most Holy Savior. The construction of the church was entrusted to the architect Petar Andrijić from Korčula, who began the work in the same year, completing it in 1528. The Church of San Salvatore is a single-nave building with a Gothic ribbed vault. The side windows feature pointed arches typical of the Gothic style, while the main facade shows Renaissance elements, such as the portal with floral decorations and the semicircular top with three leaves. This combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles reflects the architectural transition of the period and the skill of the craftsmen of the time. One of the most remarkable features of the church is its ability to withstand the terrible earthquake of 1667, which destroyed much of Dubrovnik and caused the death of about 5,000 people. The Church of San Salvatore remained intact, becoming a symbol of hope and continuity for the community. This event further strengthened the importance of the church as a place of worship and spiritual refuge. Outside the church, a Latin plaque above the main entrance expresses the gratitude of the citizens of Dubrovnik for divine protection during the earthquake of 1520. This historical detail adds another layer of meaning to the visit, allowing visitors to understand the spiritual and historical significance of the church. The location of the Church of San Salvatore, between the Pile Gate and the Franciscan Monastery, makes it easily accessible and visible to all visitors of the Old Town. Its sober yet elegant appearance distinguishes it from the other historical buildings in the area, offering a fascinating contrast with the surrounding architecture.