The Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of the Snows is one of Cavtat's most important historic and religious sites, set beside the waterfront at the foot of the Rat peninsula. Founded in 1484, the Gothic-Renaissance monastery and church contain valuable works by Dubrovnik and Cavtat artists, including Vicko Lovrin and Vlaho Bukovac.
Is the Franciscan Monastery worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you are already walking around the Rat peninsula in Cavtat. The monastery is a quiet cultural stop close to the harbour, and the church interior contains several important paintings connected with the artistic history of Dubrovnik and Cavtat.
A visit also combines naturally with a walk around the peninsula towards the Račić family mausoleum and the coastal path.
A short history of the monastery
The Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of the Snows was founded in 1484. Construction continued through the late 15th and 16th centuries, with an important second phase completed around 1490 with support from Dubrovnik nobleman Franjo Gučetić.
The monastery was repeatedly repaired and altered over the following centuries. Earthquakes, political upheaval and changing uses all left their mark on the complex, while significant modifications continued from the 18th through the 20th century.
The architecture still reflects its Franciscan origins, with the church, cloister and courtyard forming the core of the complex. The cloister includes a historic cistern decorated with the coat of arms of the Gučetić family.
What to see inside
The church is particularly interesting for its collection of paintings. Among the most important works are:
- Polyptych of St Michael by Dubrovnik master Vicko Lovrin, dated 1509-1510.
- Late-15th-century altar painting by Dubrovnik painter Božidar Vlatković.
- Our Lady of Cavtat, a large lunette by Cavtat-born painter Vlaho Bukovac.
The monastery's own collection also preserves other paintings, liturgical objects and historic works connected with Cavtat and the Franciscan community.
One particularly interesting detail is a Madonna and Child panel in the main altar which the monastery considers likely to have been part of a polyptych painted by Nikola Božidarević in 1494. Much of that earlier work was lost or damaged over the centuries.
Opening hours and visiting
The monastery's official website currently lists opening hours as 07:00-21:00 every day.
The church remains an active place of worship, so visitors should be respectful during Masses, services and religious events. Access to parts of the complex can occasionally be affected by church activities.
Opening Hours
Monday-Sunday: 07:00-21:00
Highlights
Gothic-Renaissance monastery, cloister, St Michael polyptych and works by Vlaho Bukovac
Combine the monastery with the Rat peninsula
The monastery sits at the western end of Cavtat's historic centre and is easy to include in a walk around the Rat peninsula. From the waterfront, continue past the monastery through the shaded coastal paths towards the cemetery and Račić family mausoleum.
This makes the monastery a good short cultural stop rather than something that requires a separate trip across Cavtat.
Cavtat and Konavle Private Tour from Dubrovnik
Combine Cavtat with the Konavle countryside on a private half-day excursion from Dubrovnik, including coastal and countryside stops.
Address & contact details
Street: Šetalište Rat 2
Postcode: 20210
City: Cavtat
Phone: +385 20 323 538
Email:
Website: Franciscan Monastery Cavtat