Dubrovnik Old Pharmacy Guide: History, Location & Visiting Tips
When we were preparing for our Dubrovnik adventure, we already knew the Old Pharmacy at the Franciscan Monastery would be on our itinerary. It may be small, but it’s beautifully preserved, a place that instantly takes you back in time. Founded in 1317, it’s one of the oldest working pharmacies in Europe. Originally created to serve the Franciscan friars, it later opened to the public, providing remedies for locals and travelers alike. Continue reading to learn what to expect when visiting, a bit of its fascinating history, and tips to make the most of your stop at this unique Dubrovnik gem.
Why Visit the Old Pharmacy in Dubrovnik
Visiting the Old Pharmacy inside the Franciscan Monastery is stepping back in time. It’s one of the oldest still-functioning pharmacies in Europe, offering a rare glimpse into how medicine was practiced centuries ago. The blend of history and authenticity makes it more than just a quick stop. You’ll see original ceramic jars, ancient medical tools, manuscripts, and even old recipes once used by Franciscan monks to heal the townspeople. The peaceful monastery cloister surrounding the pharmacy adds to the atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to slow down, breathe, and imagine life in Dubrovnik hundreds of years ago.
How to Get to the Old Pharmacy in Dubrovnik
The Old Pharmacy is located inside the Franciscan Monastery, right near the Pile Gate, which serves as the main entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Once you enter through the gate, turn left, and within a minute’s walk, you’ll spot the monastery’s beautiful stone façade.
Because the Old Town is pedestrian-only, the best way to reach it is on foot. If you’re staying outside the city walls, you can take a local bus or taxi to Pile Gate; most routes stop there. From the gate, it’s an easy stroll to the monastery courtyard where the pharmacy is located.
Pro Penguin Tip
Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before the crowds arrive.
Opening Hours of the Old Pharmacy
The Old Pharmacy at the Franciscan Monastery is open daily, but the hours can vary depending on the season. Generally, you can visit from morning until late afternoon, with slightly shorter hours during the winter months.
Because schedules may change due to religious services, holidays, or special events, it’s always best to check the official website of the Franciscan Monastery of Dubrovnik before your visit for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Tickets & Admission
Here’s what you need to know about tickets for the Franciscan Monastery & Old Pharmacy in Dubrovnik:
- Standard admission fee: ~ €6 for adults (free or discounted for holders of the Dubrovnik Pass).
- Plushies: free entry
- Discounted rates: Available for students, seniors, or children (check locally).
A ticket typically grants access to the museum, cloisters, and the pharmacy exhibits. The church itself may have free entry.
Where to buy tickets:
- You can purchase tickets on-site at the entrance.
- If available, online ticket purchase is recommended to skip the line (check the official Franciscan Monastery / Dubrovnik museum website or authorized ticket vendors).
Tip: Before your visit, double-check ticketing details and opening times on the official site or through trusted platforms to avoid surprises.
Facilities & Amenities at the Franciscan Monastery
- Museum: Displays historical medical instruments, manuscripts, and religious artifacts.
- Cloister Garden: A peaceful courtyard with palm trees and stone arches, perfect for a quiet break.
- Franciscan Church: Beautifully decorated with baroque details and home to valuable artworks.
- Working Pharmacy: Still open today, offering herbal cosmetics and natural remedies inspired by original recipes.
- Gift Shop: Sells handmade soaps, creams, and souvenirs made by the Franciscan friars.
- Restrooms: Available inside the monastery complex.
- Photography: Usually allowed in the cloister and church areas, but not inside the functioning pharmacy or museum exhibits.
Pro Penguin Tip: Don’t rush through; take a moment to enjoy the calm atmosphere of the cloister before heading back into Dubrovnik’s lively streets.
A Glimpse Into the History of the Old Pharmacy
- Founded in 1317, the Old Pharmacy at the Franciscan Monastery is one of the oldest continuously operating pharmacies in Europe.
- It was originally established for Franciscan friars, providing medicines and herbal remedies made from plants grown in the monastery’s own garden.
- Over time, the pharmacy opened to the public, serving not only the people of Dubrovnik but also visitors and sailors passing through the Adriatic port.
- During the 14th and 15th centuries, it became a trusted center for healing, where monks prepared ointments, tinctures, and natural balms.
- The pharmacy has survived wars, plagues, and earthquakes, including the devastating earthquake of 1667 that destroyed much of Dubrovnik.
- Inside, you can still see ancient jars, scales, manuscripts, and medical tools used centuries ago, many of which are now displayed in the monastery museum.
- Remarkably, the pharmacy still operates today, blending medieval tradition with modern medicine, continuing a legacy of healing that spans more than 700 years.
Our Waddle Through the Old Pharmacy
Waddling through the quiet halls of the Franciscan Monastery, we couldn’t help but imagine what life was like here centuries ago: the smell of herbs, the soft echo of footsteps, the friars carefully preparing medicines. The Old Pharmacy was quite famous in its time, once holding over 2,000 recipes ranging from everyday remedies to mysterious potions and even secret poisons.
Sadly, much of its early history, from its founding in 1317 to the devastating earthquake of 1667, was lost in the fire that consumed the monastery’s archives and library. Still, thanks to records from Friar Vital Andrijašević, we know that the ground floor served as the pharmacy and aromatory until 1681.
Standing there today, surrounded by antique jars and tools, it’s easy to feel the weight of history. What once helped heal the people of Dubrovnik now stands as a living reminder of the city’s resilience, and we felt lucky to waddle through its story.
In the beginning, the pharmacy served a simple purpose: to care for the sick friars within the monastery. Over time, it opened to the public, driven by the Franciscan values of compassion and charity. The Friars Minor Pharmacy has been part of Dubrovnik’s healthcare tradition since 1317, when the monastery was relocated inside the city walls from the Pile area. The friars were, in many ways, the first pharmacists, using their knowledge of herbs and healing to look after both their brothers and the wider community.
After centuries of service, the pharmacy was taken from the friars and nationalized in 1947, marking the end of its monastic ownership but not its legacy. Inside, it holds a remarkable collection of rare books on medicine and pharmacology, along with thousands of original recipes — some dating back to the 15th century. Only a few of these treasures are displayed today, offering a glimpse into the rich history of healing in Dubrovnik.
Interestingly, the pharmacy wasn’t always located in the same spot; over the years, it shifted around the monastery premises before settling where it stands now. Even today, there’s a fully functioning pharmacy on-site, still using a few of those time-tested formulas. Locals say their skincare products are among the best, made with natural ingredients and centuries-old wisdom.
And while the pharmacy itself is fascinating, our favorite part was stepping out into the monastery gardens, peaceful, green, and beautifully kept. After exploring the old rooms filled with history, wandering through the quiet cloister felt like a moment of pure calm in the heart of Dubrovnik.
Pro Penguin Tip
Don’t leave the Franciscan Monastery without visiting the working pharmacy inside. Pick up one of their handmade skincare products, especially the lavender cream or rose water toner, both made using traditional recipes passed down through generations of friars. They’re natural, beautifully scented, and make a perfect little piece of Dubrovnik to take home.
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