Franciscan Monastery

In the heart of Dubrovnik, a city rich with history and stunning architecture, lies the Franciscan Monastery, a testament to the city's vibrant past and a beacon of knowledge and tradition. As you step into this historical haven, you are transported back in time, where every stone tells a story of resilience and every corner holds a secret waiting to be unveiled. In this article, we invite you to embark on a journey through centuries, exploring the rich history, architectural marvels, and the ancient pharmacy that has been serving the community since the 14th century. Let's delve deeper into the fascinating world of the Franciscan Monastery, a place where history meets tranquility.

The Majestic Beginning

Origins and Early History

The Franciscan Monastery's roots trace back to the 13th century, when the earliest friary was established outside the city walls. Around 1317, due to the looming threat of war and power struggles with Venice, the Franciscans moved inside the protective embrace of the city walls, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the monastery's history. This relocation was not just a strategic move but also a commitment to safeguard the rich heritage and knowledge that the monastery housed.

During this period, the Franciscans were known to be the custodians of knowledge and healthcare. They established a pharmacy in 1317, which not only catered to the needs of the brethren but also served the general public, becoming a beacon of service and tradition. This pharmacy, situated on the ground floor, provided a steady income for the friars and marked the beginning of a tradition that continues to this day. Today, it stands as the oldest still-functioning pharmacy in Europe and the third oldest in the world, a testament to the Franciscans' commitment to service and community welfare.

Architectural Marvels

The Franciscan Monastery is not just a place of worship but also a marvel of architecture and artistry. The monastery complex, situated at the Placa, the main street of Dubrovnik, is a blend of various architectural styles, showcasing the brilliance of the craftsmen of the time. The monastery houses two cloisters: the upper cloister, a masterpiece of Renaissance style with arches and semicircular vaults, and the lower cloister, which exhibits Romanesque-Gothic style with arches, 120 columns, and 12 massive pilasters, each telling a story through their intricate designs and adornments.

As you walk through the monastery, you cannot miss the portal overlooking the beginning of the Placa, a masterpiece created in 1498 in Gothic style by the workshop of the brothers Leonard and Petar Petrović. This portal, adorned with a nearly life-sized Pietà in the central lunette, flanked by figures of St. Jerome and St. John the Baptist, stands as a silent witness to the monastery's rich history and the artistic brilliance of the time.

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The Pharmacy: A Blend of Tradition and Service

Historical Background

The Franciscan Monastery is home to a remarkable historical entity - the ancient pharmacy, a blend of tradition and service that has stood the test of time. Here's a glimpse into its rich history:

• 1317: The inception of the pharmacy, marking it as a beacon of healthcare and service in the community.
• Community Service: Initially served not only the friars but also the general public, embodying the Franciscan spirit of service.
• Oldest Pharmacy: Holds the distinction of being the oldest still-functioning pharmacy in Europe and the third oldest globally.
• Ground Floor Location: Strategically located on the ground floor to serve the public efficiently, also becoming a source of steady income for the friars.

Present Day Significance

In the contemporary era, the pharmacy continues to hold a place of reverence and significance. Here are some of its standout features:

• Historical Artefacts: The pharmacy houses a rich collection of historical artefacts, including ancient prescription manuscripts and laboratory gear, offering a glimpse into the medical practices of the past.
• Museum Displays: A part of the monastery's museum, it showcases a range of religious artefacts and art, including a large painted altar crucifix dating back to 1428 and artworks by renowned artists like Vlaho Bukovac.
• Garden of Serenity: The pharmacy overlooks a small square garden adorned with blooming orange and palm trees, offering a tranquil space for reflection and relaxation.
• A Living Tradition: Continues to be a living tradition, embodying the Franciscan spirit of service and community welfare.

Visiting the Monastery Today

Architectural Grandeur

As you step into the Franciscan Monastery today, you are greeted by an architectural grandeur that seamlessly blends various styles, showcasing the brilliance of the craftsmen of the time. The monastery complex, situated at the Placa, the main street of Dubrovnik, is a living testament to the city's vibrant past.

The monastery houses two cloisters that are a marvel of architecture and artistry. The upper cloister, a masterpiece of Renaissance style, features arches and semicircular vaults that encapsulate the spirit of the era. On the other hand, the lower cloister exhibits a Romanesque-Gothic style, characterized by arches supported by 120 columns and 12 massive pilasters, each adorned with intricate designs that tell a story of their own.

Museum and Library: A Treasure Trove of Artifacts

The Franciscan Monastery is not just a place of worship, but also a treasure trove of artifacts and knowledge. The museum, part of the monastery, hosts a rich collection of liturgical artifacts, including a 15th-century silver-gilt cross and silver thurible, and an 18th-century crucifix from Jerusalem. These artifacts offer a glimpse into the religious practices and artistic brilliance of the time.

Adjacent to the museum is the library, a repository of knowledge built in the 17th century. It houses over 20,000 books, including 1200 valuable old manuscripts, 137 incunabula, and seven books with old church corals. This library, the richest old library in Croatia, stands as a beacon of knowledge, preserving valuable copies of incunabula, musical notations, and artworks of extraordinary importance.

As you walk through the monastery, you cannot miss the portal overlooking the beginning of the Placa. This masterpiece, created in 1498 in Gothic style by the workshop of the brothers Leonard and Petar Petrović, features a nearly life-sized Pietà in the central lunette, flanked by figures of St. Jerome and St. John the Baptist, offering a silent testimony to the monastery's rich history and the artistic brilliance of the time.

Surviving the Test of Time

Restoration and Preservation

The Franciscan Monastery has witnessed numerous events throughout its existence, standing as a resilient structure that has survived the test of time. Here are some key aspects of its restoration and preservation:

• 1667 Earthquake: A significant part of the monastery was damaged during the devastating earthquake of 1667. The interior of the church, which was magnificent, was lost forever. However, the richly embellished portal survived, now decorating the main entrance and serving as a reminder of its glorious past.
• Luxurious Baroque Style: After the earthquake, the church was rebuilt in a luxurious Baroque style, showcasing the resilience and the spirit of renewal that characterizes Dubrovnik's history.
• 1991 War: The monastery suffered damages during the 1991 war, particularly affecting the library and the bell tower. Despite this, the monastery has managed to preserve its grace and architectural beauty, standing as a testament to the city's resilience.

The 1991 War and its Impact

The 1991 war left a significant mark on the Franciscan Monastery, affecting its structure and precious collections. Here are some details about the impact of the war:

• Library Damages: The library, which housed a vast collection of valuable manuscripts and books, suffered damages, with some of the collections being affected.
• Bell Tower: The bell tower of the monastery also faced the brunt of the war, undergoing damages that required restoration efforts to preserve its historical significance.
• Restoration Efforts: Despite the damages, restoration efforts were undertaken to preserve the monastery's heritage, ensuring that it continues to stand as a beacon of history and culture in Dubrovnik.

Preserving Heritage for Future Generations

As we conclude our journey through the Franciscan Monastery, it becomes evident that this place is not just a religious sanctuary but a living testament to Dubrovnik's rich history and resilience. Over the centuries, the monastery has witnessed numerous transformations, each time rising from the ashes to showcase its grandeur and architectural brilliance.

The monastery stands as a beacon of knowledge, culture, and tradition, preserving a rich heritage that spans several centuries. From its ancient pharmacy, which continues to serve the community, to its library housing a treasure trove of ancient manuscripts and artworks, the monastery embodies the spirit of service and community welfare that the Franciscans are known for.

As you walk through the serene corridors of the monastery, you are enveloped by a sense of peace and tranquility, a stark contrast to the turbulent events it has witnessed over the years. The lush gardens, the intricate artworks, and the architectural marvels tell a story of a place that has stood the test of time, offering a glimpse into a past that is both rich and vibrant.

Visiting the Franciscan Monastery is akin to stepping into a living museum, where every corner holds a secret, and every stone tells a story. It is a place where history meets tranquility, offering a unique experience that captivates the heart and soothes the soul.