How long does it take to walk through Dubrovnik's Old Town?

A focused walk of the historic sites takes about 90 to 120 minutes. This allows for time to explore the interiors of the Sponza Palace and the monastic cloisters.

Is the Franciscan Monastery Pharmacy still open?

Yes, the pharmacy has been in continuous operation since 1317. While the modern pharmacy serves customers, the 'Old Pharmacy' is preserved as a museum for visitors.

Can I visit the libraries in Dubrovnik's monasteries?

The monastic libraries are generally accessible through their respective museums. They contain rare manuscripts and incunabula, though the books themselves are kept in climate-controlled conditions.

Where are the Game of Thrones steps in Dubrovnik?

The famous 'Walk of Shame' steps are actually the Jesuit Stairs (Baroque Stairs) leading up to the Church of St. Ignatius, which is the final stop on this route.

What is the most famous palace in Dubrovnik?

Sponza Palace is the most renowned for its architectural beauty and its role as the State Archives. It is a rare example of a building that survived the 1667 earthquake.

Is the Dubrovnik walking route difficult?

The route is mostly easy and flat as it stays within the main basin of the Old Town. The only moderate challenge is the staircase leading to the Church of St. Ignatius at the end.

Who was Marin Držić?

Marin Držić was a 16th-century playwright from Dubrovnik. He is considered the father of Croatian drama and a key figure in Renaissance literature.

Are there entrance fees for the monasteries in Dubrovnik?

Yes, both the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries charge an entrance fee for their cloisters and museums. These fees help maintain the historic structures and collections.

Monasteries & Manuscripts | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Step into a world where stone walls whisper secrets of medieval medicine and Renaissance poetry. Dubrovnik is often celebrated for its formidable fortifications, but this self-guided walk invites you to look beyond the ramparts and into the intellectual and spiritual heart of the 'Pearl of the Adriatic.' This route focuses on the city's rich literary heritage and the monastic traditions that preserved knowledge through centuries of upheaval. You will explore quiet cloisters that feel worlds away from the bustling main street, Stradun, and discover how Dubrovnik became a beacon of culture in the Mediterranean. This neighborhood stroll takes you through the most significant repositories of history in the Old Town. You will see the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of the world's oldest continuously operating pharmacies, and the Dominican Monastery, which houses a staggering collection of incunabula and Renaissance art. The path also honors the city’s literary giants, particularly at the House of Marin Držić, where the life of the 'Dubrovnik Shakespeare' comes into focus. Unlike a standard walking tour Dubrovnik often offers to cruise ship crowds, this walking route allows you to linger in the cool shadows of Gothic arches and spend time with ancient manuscripts at your own pace. You will encounter the Sponza Palace, a masterpiece of Gothic-Renaissance architecture that served as the city’s custom house and mint, now guarding the Republic's precious archives. The journey concludes at the stunning Church of St. Ignatius, reached by the famous Baroque staircase. Whether you are a bibliophile, a history enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a peaceful way to experience the city's deeper layers, this audio walk provides a comprehensive look at the scholars and saints who shaped Dubrovnik. Experience the city as a living museum of human achievement, where every library shelf and monastery garden tells a story of resilience and enlightenment. For those seeking a guided tour Dubrovnik has many options, but none offer the flexibility and intimacy of exploring these hallowed halls independently.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

The 14th-century Franciscan Pharmacy, one of the oldest in Europe
The stunning Gothic-Renaissance cloister of the Dominican Monastery
Sponza Palace, the architectural jewel housing the State Archives
The life and legacy of Marin Držić, Croatia’s greatest Renaissance playwright
The 'Spanish Steps' of Dubrovnik leading to the Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius
Rare manuscripts and incunabula hidden within medieval monastery walls

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Franciscan Monastery Pharmacy

Start your journey at the Franciscan Monastery, located just inside the Pile Gate. Founded in 1317, this complex is a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic design. Its most famous feature is the Old Pharmacy, which has been dispensing remedies for over 700 years, making it one of the oldest continuously operating pharmacies in the world. As you walk through the cloister, look for the intricate carvings on the capitals of the columns, each depicting unique animal and human figures. The monastery also houses a library with over 30,000 volumes and 1,500 valuable manuscripts. It’s a place where science and spirituality have coexisted for centuries, providing a sanctuary for both the body and the mind of Dubrovnik’s citizens.

2

House of Marin Držić

A short walk from the monastery brings you to the home of Marin Držić, the most celebrated playwright of the Croatian Renaissance. Often called the 'Shakespeare of Dubrovnik,' Držić was a master of comedy and social satire. This museum, located in the house where he lived, offers a glimpse into 16th-century life and the theatrical world of the Republic. Držić’s works are still performed today during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, reflecting the city's enduring love for the performing arts. The exhibits here use modern technology to bring his characters and the political intrigues of his time to life, highlighting the city's role as a cultural powerhouse during the Renaissance.

3

Dubrovnik City Library

Continue toward the heart of the Old Town to find the City Library, housed in the magnificent Gradskac-Crijević-Pucić Palace. This Baroque building is more than just a place to borrow books; it is a symbol of the city's commitment to literacy and learning. The palace itself is a work of art, featuring a grand staircase and elegant salons that have been preserved despite the centuries. Inside, you can find a vast collection of modern works alongside historical publications. It serves as a quiet retreat for locals and a reminder that even in a city built on trade and maritime power, the pursuit of knowledge was always held in the highest regard.

4

Sponza Palace

Standing at the end of the Stradun, Sponza Palace is one of the few buildings to survive the devastating earthquake of 1667 entirely intact. Its architecture is a perfect blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Historically, this was the city's custom house, mint, and treasury. Note the Latin inscription on the arch, which warns merchants not to cheat: 'Our weights do not permit cheating. When I measure, God measures with me.' Today, Sponza houses the State Archives, one of the most important historical archives in the world, containing documents dating back to the 11th century. It is the 'memory' of the Dubrovnik Republic, meticulously preserved for future generations.

5

Dominican Monastery

Walk toward the Ploče Gate to reach the Dominican Monastery. Established in the 13th century, this complex was a vital part of the city’s defense and intellectual life. The cloister here is widely considered the most beautiful in Dubrovnik, designed by local and foreign masters in the 15th century. The monastery's museum contains an exceptional collection of Renaissance paintings from the Dubrovnik School, including a work by the Italian master Titian. The library is equally impressive, holding over 200 incunabula—books printed before 1501. The quiet courtyard, with its orange trees and well, provides a perfect moment of reflection on the city's monastic heritage.

6

Church of St. Ignatius

Conclude your walk by ascending the grand Baroque staircase, modeled after the Spanish Steps in Rome, to the Church of St. Ignatius. This Jesuit church is a landmark of the Counter-Reformation in Dubrovnik. The interior is famous for its magnificent trompe-l'oeil frescoes by Gaetano Garcia, which depict scenes from the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The church stands adjacent to the Collegium Ragusinum, the city's former Jesuit college, which was the center of higher education for centuries. From this elevated position, you can look back over the rooftops of the Old Town, reflecting on the layers of history and the enduring legacy of the manuscripts and monasteries you’ve discovered.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the monasteries and libraries of the Old Town is ideal. This route covers the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries, which have preserved the city's intellectual history for over 700 years.