Suppose you could step back in time to 1317. You would witness the founding of one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. That pharmacy is part of the St Francis Church complex. It still operates today.
The St Francis Church is more than just a church. It is a complex of history and culture. It includes a bell tower, a monastery, a library, and that famous pharmacy. The St Francis Church stands on the main street near Dubrovnik’s city entrance. Its story stretches back to the 14th century. An earlier monastery existed outside the gate in the 13th century.
Earthquakes and wars have tested the St Francis Church. The great earthquake of 1667 destroyed the church. It was rebuilt. The library and bell tower suffered damage during the 1991 war. They were subsequently repaired.
Look closely at the facade facing Stradun. Notice the two doors. Above one door, a decorative portal stands out. This Gothic portal is a survivor. It is the only external part that remained from the pre-1667 church. Sculpted in 1498, it features a life-sized Pieta. The Virgin Mary holds Jesus. Statues of St Jerome and St John the Baptist flank her. St Jerome holds a model of the original church. Above, God the Father completes the scene.
Step inside the St Francis Church. The interior reflects a Baroque style. A marble pulpit, rescued from the original church, enhances the space. The main altar showcases a resurrected Christ. Twisted marble columns surround him. This altar dates back to 1713. Five side altars, sculpted by Giuseppe Sardi between 1684 and 1696, add to the church’s beauty. The altar of St. Francis has decorations painted by Celectin Medovic in 1888.
Behind the church lies the monastery cloister. Built in 1360, it stands in Romanesque style. Two cloisters feature 120 columns. Each has a unique capital. Twelve pilasters surround a small garden with a fountain.
The library, added in the 17th century, holds over 20,000 books. Among them are 1,200 valuable manuscripts.
Consider the story of the Franciscan Monastery’s name. Legend says a maritime captain had quadruplet sons. His wife chose to keep only one. The captain rescued the other three. He gave them to nuns to raise. Years later, the sons built a magnificent church as thanks to the nuns.
The St Francis Church is a testament to faith, art, and resilience. Its long history makes it a must-see in Dubrovnik. The St Francis Church continues to inspire all who visit.