Dominican Monastery

Getting the most out of a trip to the Dominican Monastery takes just a little planning, but the rewards are well worth it. Nestled near the Ploče Gate—just outside the city's main crowds—the monastery is easy to reach from most points in Old Town. The best hours to wander tend to be earlier in the morning or late afternoon, when the glare softens and day-trip groups thin out. Steps can be slightly uneven, but most public spaces are comfortable for families and older visitors. Tickets at the door are affordable, and lines move quickly except on peak cruise ship days.

• Best time to visit: Spring or early autumn, before 10 am or after 4 pm
• How to get there: Short walk from Ploče Gate; shuttle buses from major city points stop nearby
• Accessibility: Strollers and wheelchairs manageable in the courtyard; several steps inside
• Average visit duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours

For those climbing its time-polished steps, the Dominican Monastery offers a trove of highlights. The cloistered courtyard—surrounded by elegant columns and fluttering with lavender—remains a favorite spot to pause. Art lovers will find a small museum housing works by celebrated Renaissance masters and Dubrovnik’s own famed painters. Several chapels in the complex hold secrets: a carved wooden crucifix said to have survived a devastating earthquake, or a marble tomb belonging to city founders. At quiet hours, the echo of footsteps across the flagstones makes for a meditative walk before returning to the city’s bustle.

• Cloister and courtyard gardens — a peaceful place for rest and contemplation
• Monastery museum — features medieval religious art, manuscripts, and icons
• Main church — home to impressive altarpieces and 15th-century frescos
• Hidden stairs behind the cloister — often overlooked, yet leading to small, peaceful alcoves
• Photo opportunities — arches framing sunlight or shadow, with the Old Town’s rooftops in view
• Stories of survival — learn how the monastery protected treasures during times of war