St Francis in Dubrovnik
An Unexpected Oasis
Dubrovnik is a town which rises beyond its reputation. Even when drowning under a sea of summer tourists, there is much to do here, and places to escape the sunburnt crowds. Aside from the beauty of the Adriatic lapping at her feet, and the wealth of museums and sights within the town (not to mention her cafés and restaurants), side streets stretch off in all directions, lined with ancient houses and walls of crumbling stone.
One of my favorite spots in Dubrovnik is the 14th C Franciscan monastery. This is not far from the Pile Gate, the main entrance to the town. (In days gone by the drawbridge was raised every night; now the moat is filled with orange trees. Their perfume filled the air as I entered the town.)
I found peace and tranquility as soon as I stepped in from the street. A pharmacy has operated within the monastery since 1317, and the perfumes from the shop spill into the cloister. (The dispensary, although moved, is still in use, being the third oldest still functioning pharmacy in existence.)
The original pharmacy is now a museum, with hand-written texts, paintings and an extensive collection of votive jewellery…
