Old Franciscan pharmacy in Dubrovnik
Did you know that inside the old city of Dubrovnik there is one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe?
The old Franciscan pharmacy is one of the most visited attractions in Dubrovnik. It is situated inside the Franciscan monastery, at the very beginning of the main street. Its bell tower can be a good orientation point if someone gets lost. The place where the first pharmacy was, nowadays the tourists visit it as a museum. One needs to go inside the cloister to see it. However, many people get confused at the very entrance because they see a pharmacy there as well. That pharmacy is the one that still works and that continues the Franciscan tradition. If you need some medicine, you can find it there. If you look for something more traditional instead, there are lotions and face creams on a natural basis also produced there.
Popular tradition says that the very Saint Francis from Assisi came to Dubrovnik. We cannot confirm that fact, but it is not too surprising either. For centuries Dubrovnik was a stop for the ships that were taking the pilgrims to the Holy Land. That’s how probably Saint Francis stopped as well.
Why is there a pharmacy inside the Franciscan monastery in Dubrovnik?
The Franciscans arrived in Dubrovnik quite early. They came from Italy and first, they lived outside the city walls. For certain reasons, they needed to abandon that first place and they moved inside the walls. The construction of today’s monastery started in 1317. During the construction, the Franciscans planned to have a hospital within the complex. That was normal practice at the time because they needed to have a place for the sick monks. Together with the hospital, it was necessary to have a pharmacy next to it as well. However, since we talk about that period, we rather call it apothecary.
Who were the apothecaries? Did they produce the medicines only for the monks or for the other people as well? Who is the owner of the pharmacy today?
If you visit the old Franciscan pharmacy with a guide, you will find out.
Some things you should keep in mind if you visit the old franciscan pharmacy:
- The price of the guided tour does not include the entrance ticket to the museum.
- The price of the ticket is 40 kunas per person (adults); children (age 12 to 18) – 20 kunas; children under 12 years – free
- The visit to the museum lasts 20 – 30 min.
- Inside the monastery, it is mandatory to wear face masks.