St. Ignatius Church

The Church of Saint Ignatius

The Dubrovnik audio-guided tour leads you, at the top of a monumental staircase, to the Church of Saint Ignatius, a Baroque jewel inspired by the church of the Gesù in Rome.

A Jesuit church of the eighteenth century

Inspired by the plans of the famous Chiesa del Gesù in Rome, the church was built between 1699 and 1725, then inaugurated in 1729. Its realisation was made possible thanks to the generous funding of a Jesuit of the Gundulić family, and it bears the name of the founder of the order, Ignatius of Loyola. Its luminous façade has a niche that remained empty: the statue that was to occupy it sank at sea during its transport, and no other was considered. The interior is adorned with fine coloured frescoes retracing the life of Saint Ignatius, signed Gaetano García, as well as a reproduction of the grotto of Lourdes, added in 1885.

What there is to see

The Church of Saint Ignatius invites contemplation through its luminous Baroque façade and its coloured frescoes recounting the life of Saint Ignatius. The reproduction of the grotto of Lourdes adds an unexpected note. At the top of its monumental staircase, it also offers a fine perspective over the city. It is a major spiritual and artistic place of the old town.

Practical information

The Church of Saint Ignatius is at the top of a monumental staircase, in the old town of Dubrovnik. A place of worship, its interior can be visited free of charge, with respect for the services; the opening hours are to be checked on site.

From when does the Church of Saint Ignatius date?

It was built between 1699 and 1725 and inaugurated in 1729, on the model of the church of the Gesù in Rome.

Why is a niche of the façade empty?

The statue that was to occupy it sank at sea during its transport, and no other was made to replace it.