Franciscan Monastery & Old Pharmacy
Explore Europe's 3rd oldest working pharmacy and a serene Gothic cloister within Dubrovnik's historic Franciscan Monastery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoids peak crowds
Franciscan Monastery & Old Pharmacy
Best Time
Avoids peak crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Europe's 3rd oldest working pharmacy and a serene Gothic cloister within Dubrovnik's historic Franciscan Monastery.
"A peaceful escape with a unique historic pharmacy, though the museum is small."
⏳ Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid large tour groups and enjoy a peaceful experience.
🌹 Unique Pharmacy Gifts
Consider buying rose water or cream from the historic pharmacy for unique souvenirs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gothic Cloister
Franciscan Monastery
A stunning Gothic colonnaded patio with a central well and serene garden. A peaceful escape.
Historic Pharmacy
Entrance of the Monastery
Europe's third oldest continuously working pharmacy, offering unique rose products and historical displays.
Ancient Books & Artifacts
Monastery Museum
Discover a rich collection of ancient books, vials, sculptures, and religious items.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Pharmacy Purchases & Photo Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pharmacy in Franciscan Monastery
⏳ Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid large tour groups and enjoy a peaceful experience.
🌹 Unique Pharmacy Gifts
Consider buying rose water or cream from the historic pharmacy for unique souvenirs.
How can I, as a tourist, refill my prescriptions?
This face cream made me realize....
📸 Photo Restrictions
Photography is not allowed inside the museum; be respectful of the rules.
🎟️ Dubrovnik Pass Value
If visiting multiple sites, the Dubrovnik Pass offers good value and includes entry.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid large tour groups and enjoy a peaceful experience.
🌹 Unique Pharmacy Gifts
Consider buying rose water or cream from the historic pharmacy for unique souvenirs.
📸 Photo Restrictions
Photography is not allowed inside the museum; be respectful of the rules.
🎟️ Dubrovnik Pass Value
If visiting multiple sites, the Dubrovnik Pass offers good value and includes entry.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Franciscan Monastery's historic pharmacy and serene cloister to be highlights, offering unique products and a peaceful atmosphere. However, some find the monastery museum itself to be small and the entry fee steep if not using the Dubrovnik Pass. Photography restrictions in the museum are also noted.
"If you have the Dubrovnik pass, why not pop into and have a look.
The oldest pharmacy is before the entrance, you can go into the pharmacy and buy something, it’s not cheap, it’s pricey, only the tourists will pay I think, I am one of them. No photo inside the pharmacy.
In Franciscan Church and Monastery, you can take as many photos as you like, but not in the museum. Keep you camera and photo away. Be a sensible person.
It’s also very busy during the day with groups and tourists. Try to visit in the early morning hours or later in the afternoon if you would like to visit more freely."
貝瑞克（Markpigpapa）
"Really glad we hadn’t paid €8 pp to go into the monastery, as we were in there 15 minutes tops. It is included in the Dubrovnik Pass though, so we did this late afternoon and then the walls the following morning, as the Pass is 24hr from first activation.
There is very little to see, though the ancient books on display are interesting. There is still a modern day pharmacy at the entrance to the building."
Janette Gaunt
"We visited Dubrovnik a couple of times over the past few years while on a cruise in the Mediterranean. We love these ancient towns with the beautiful structures and rich history. We found plenty of places to stop for coffee and food. Everyone was very nice and not too crowded with tourists."
THE EXPLORER
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Franciscan Monastery is conveniently located just past the Pile Gate, near the monumental Onofrio's Fountain. It's easily accessible on foot within the Old Town.
Yes, the Franciscan Monastery is situated right at the entrance of Dubrovnik's historic Old Town, making it a very accessible landmark.
If you're arriving by bus or taxi, they typically drop you off near the Pile Gate. From there, it's a short walk into the Old Town to reach the monastery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the monastery and its museum typically costs around €8 per person. However, it is included if you purchase the Dubrovnik Pass, which can be more economical if you plan to visit other attractions.
Yes, the historic pharmacy is located at the entrance and you can visit it to browse and purchase items without paying for full monastery admission.
The Dubrovnik Pass is the primary way to get a discounted or included entry. Check for any special group rates or seasonal offers, though these are less common.
Opening hours can vary seasonally, but generally, the monastery and museum are open during daylight hours. The pharmacy at the entrance may have slightly different hours. It's best to check the official website or inquire locally.
Yes, the Franciscan Monastery and its museum are included in the 24-hour Dubrovnik Pass, making it a popular choice for pass holders.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a beautiful Gothic cloister with a well, a museum housing ancient books, vials, sculptures, and religious artifacts, and the historic pharmacy at the entrance.
Photography is generally not permitted inside the museum sections of the monastery. You can usually take photos in the cloister area, but always be mindful of signage and staff instructions.
A quick visit focusing on the cloister and pharmacy might take 15-30 minutes. A more thorough exploration of the museum could extend this to about an hour.
The cloister area is generally accessible, but some parts of the museum may have stairs or uneven surfaces. It's advisable to inquire about specific accessibility before your visit.
It's one of Europe's oldest continuously operating pharmacies, known for its historical displays and unique rose-based products like rose water and creams, whose recipes are closely guarded secrets.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You can purchase traditional rose water, rose cream, and other herbal ointments. These are popular gifts, though they are considered pricey.
Yes, reviews suggest that the products from the historic pharmacy are quite pricey, catering mainly to tourists.
While there are no dining facilities within the monastery itself, the Old Town of Dubrovnik is filled with numerous cafes and restaurants just a short walk away.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Pharmacy: A Legacy of Healing
While the products are considered a unique souvenir, be prepared for higher prices, as they are primarily aimed at tourists. The experience of purchasing something from a pharmacy that has served the community for over 700 years is, however, quite special. It’s a chance to connect with a living piece of history and take home a tangible reminder of Dubrovnik's enduring traditions.
Exploring the Monastery's Architectural and Artistic Treasures
Beyond the cloister, the monastery houses a valuable museum that preserves a rich collection of artifacts. This includes ancient manuscripts, illuminated books, religious art, and pharmacy-related items that complement the adjacent old pharmacy. While photography is restricted in the museum, the opportunity to see these historical treasures up close provides deep insight into the monastic life and the cultural significance of the order in Dubrovnik.
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