The Dominican Monastery (Dominikanski samostan) anchors the eastern side of Dubrovnik’s Old Town near Ploče Gate. It’s a working religious complex with a church, a tranquil Gothic–Renaissance cloister, and a small but important museum showcasing 15th–16th-century artworks from the Dubrovnik painting school. Expect serene arcades, stone columns, and cool shade—a perfect pause from the busy streets. Plan 45–90 minutes depending on your interest in art and architecture.
Top Tickets & Tours
- Monastery Museum entry (on-site): Buy at the monastery entrance; it covers the cloister, church access (when not in service), and museum rooms. Typically a short line and fast entry.
- Old Town walking tours: Many guided city walks stop at or pass the Dominican Monastery for historical context; some include time in the cloister/church, but interior admission is not standard unless explicitly stated—read inclusions carefully.
- Quick pick: If you mainly want peaceful architecture and a quick art hit, buy the on-site monastery ticket and add an Old Town walking tour for context.
Tickets & Passes
- Monastery/Museum ticket: Pay on-site at the entrance. The fee is modest (see “Prices” below) and valid for the cloister, the church (outside service times), and the museum.
- Dubrovnik Pass: Excellent value for City Walls and municipal museums, but the Dominican Monastery is not an included site; some sellers note only a small discount, if any. Always check current terms before you go.
- Combos: No official combo with the Dominican Monastery; pair it yourself with nearby paid sites (e.g., Rector’s Palace, City Walls) based on your schedule.
Prices, Discounts & Free Entry Rules
- Typical adult price: ~€4–5. Recent visitor reports cite €4; guide listings often state about €5. Bring a small-note euro just in case.
- Reductions: Children/students often pay less; policies can change—confirm at the door. (The monastery is managed by the Dominican community, not Dubrovnik Museums, so pricing is posted locally.)
- Passes: Dubrovnik Pass does not include entry; any discount is discretionary and may vary.
Opening Hours & Seasonal Schedule
- Summer (May 1–Oct 31): 09:00–18:00
- Winter (Nov 1–Apr 30):09:00–17:00
Hours apply to the museum entrance; the church may have service times when tourist access pauses—please respect worship. Holiday hours can vary; check at the door on major feast days.
Location, Entrances & Map
Address: Od sv. Dominika 4, by the Dominican Steps near Ploče Gate (eastern Old Town). The entrance to the cloister/museum is signposted just off the small square.
How to Reach
- On foot: From Ploče Gate, it’s a 2–3-minute walk; from Pile Gate (west), stroll 10–12 minutes along Stradun, then turn left toward the Dominican Steps.
- By bus: Most Libertas buses converge on Pile (1A/1B/3/4/6, etc.). Line 8 links the Ploče/Banje area with Gruž (port/bus station) if you’re staying east of Old Town. The airport shuttle also stops by Ploče Gate en route to the bus station.
- Taxis/Uber: Drop-off outside the gates (Pile or Ploče). There’s no driving or parking inside the Old Town.
How Long to Spend & Ideal Visiting Route
Most travelers spend 45–60 minutes; art lovers may take up to 90 minutes.
Efficient route: Cloister arcades → Church nave (respect silence) → Museum rooms (painting school, reliquaries, manuscripts) → Treasury highlights.
If you’re short on time (30–40 minutes), focus on the cloister and the main painting room.
Highlights & Must-See
- Gothic–Renaissance cloister: Slender columns, carved capitals, and a cool arcaded walk—one of Dubrovnik’s most photogenic interiors.
- Dubrovnik School masterpieces: Works by Božidar Vlatković (Božidarević), Mihajlo Hamzić, and Nikola Dobričević illuminate the city’s 15th–16th-century style.
- Titian (school/attributed work) & sacred art: A painting featuring St. Blaise, Mary Magdalene and the Archangel Raphael; plus votive jewelry, relics, manuscripts, papal bulls, and incunabula.
- Paolo Veneziano crucifix (14th c.) in St Dominic’s Church.
History & Architecture
Dominicans settled here by 1225; the major complex rose through the 14th–15th centuries with later rebuilds after earthquakes. The ensemble blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements; the church you see today reflects post-quake restorations while the cloister preserves late-medieval elegance.
Guided Tours & Audio Guide Options
- Guided walks: General Old Town tours regularly include the monastery exterior/grounds; interior access depends on the operator—look for “includes Dominican Monastery” in the tour description.
- Self-guided: Labels inside can be minimal; bring a good guidebook or download notes before you go for deeper context. Recent visitors report limited English panels.
Accessibility, Stairs & Facilities
- Terrain: Historic stone floors and a few steps around the cloister; door thresholds may be uneven. Wheelchair access can be challenging—ground-level areas are easiest.
- Facilities: Seating is limited; restrooms may be basic; there’s no café inside. Staff at the entrance can advise on current access and assistance. (The site is run by the monastery, so amenities differ from city museums.)
Photography, Worship & Visitor Rules
- Respect worship: The church is active; avoid touring during Mass and keep voices low in the nave.
- Photos: No flash inside sacred spaces and no tripods unless you have permission; obey posted signs and staff instructions.
- Dress code: Shoulders and knees covered for the church; hats off inside.
Best Time to Visit & Crowd Tips
- Timing: Come early morning or late afternoon for quiet cloister time and softer light.
- Cruise days: When multiple ships dock, the main streets surge around late morning; the monastery stays calmer than headline sights but go early for serenity.
- Weather backup: The cloister and museum make a good shade (summer) or rain (shoulder/winter) plan.
Events & Temporary Exhibitions
Programming is occasional and posted locally; look for small sacred-art displays or evening music in the cloister. For current info, contact the monastery or Dubrovnik Tourist Board (+385 20 321 423, samostan.dubrovnik@dominikanci.hr).
Combine with Nearby Sights
You’re steps from the Old Port and Revelin Fortress, and a few minutes from Sponza Palace, St Blaise Church, the Cathedral, and a City Walls entrance located near the monastery—handy for stitching a half-day loop.
Suggested Itineraries
- 45–60 minutes: Cloister → church nave → one museum room (painting school).
- 90 minutes: Full cloister circuit → nave → museum galleries & treasury → short photo stop at the Old Port.
- Half-day Old Town: Dominican Monastery → Sponza → Cathedral → Rector’s Palace → City Walls (start near Dominican for a clockwise loop).
