The Franciscan Monastery

By the mid-14th century, the Republic of Ragusa was very prosperous. Dubrovnik attracted merchants, future residents, and Franciscan monks. In 1317, the monks began building a monastery on this main street, and that was no accident. Here, they were within the city walls and better protected during times of war. Over time, its lost its original appearance, especially after the infamous 1667 earthquake. One of the only remnants is the south wall, adorned with a sculpture called the Pietà, depicting the Virgin Mary cradling her son. If you find the Baroque exterior impressive, just wait until you step inside — that’s where the real magic is. You’ll need to pay to enter, but it’s worth it: you’ll stroll through the inner courtyard and see 120 columns and capitals decorated with plant motifs. You’ll also be able to visit the monastic museum and the old pharmacy, founded in 1317. At the time, this was the third biggest museum in Europe, and the world.