Church of Sant'Ignazio

The Church of St. Ignatius, located in the heart of the Old Town of Dubrovnik, is a jewel of Baroque architecture that enchants visitors with its beauty and rich history. Designed by the renowned Jesuit architect Andrea Pozzo, the church was built between 1667 and 1725. Pozzo, known for his skills as both an architect and a painter, infused the church with a style reminiscent of the Church of the Gesù in Rome, considered the mother of all Jesuit churches. The facade of the Church of St. Ignatius is a masterpiece of simplicity and grandeur, characterized by elegant and symmetrical lines. Inside, the church is even more impressive, with a single nave adorned with side chapels and a magnificent semicircular apse. The walls and ceilings are decorated with Baroque frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. These frescoes, created by Gaetano Garcia, a Baroque painter of Spanish origin, are renowned for their vibrancy and detail, creating an atmosphere that uplifts the spirit. One of the most distinctive features of the church is the bell tower, which houses the oldest bell in Dubrovnik, cast in 1355 by the masters Viventius and his son Viator. This detail adds another layer of history and charm to the church, connecting it to the medieval roots of the city. Adjacent to the church is the Collegium Ragusinum, a Jesuit college founded in 1555. This educational complex played a crucial role in the intellectual formation of the city and continues to operate as a classical diocesan school. The college and the church together form one of the most important Baroque complexes in all of Dalmatia, not only for their architectural beauty but also for their historical and educational impact. Another iconic element of the complex is the Baroque staircase that leads to the church from Gundulić Square. Designed by the Roman architect Pietro Passalacqua in 1738, this staircase is modeled after the famous Spanish Steps in Rome. Its elegant curves and wide steps create a majestic path that prepares visitors for the magnificence of the church. These steps have been immortalized in popular culture thanks to the television series “Game of Thrones,” where they appear as part of the setting of the city of King’s Landing. The location of the Church of St. Ignatius on Poljana Rudjera Boskovica offers a panoramic view of Dubrovnik, stretching to its medieval walls and the Adriatic Sea. This spectacular scenery makes visiting the church a memorable experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the historical and natural beauty of the city.