Dubrovnik Cathedral: A Baroque Masterpiece with Legendary Treasures

Standing proudly in the heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Dubrovnik Cathedral) is far more than just another beautiful church. This 18th-century Baroque marvel houses astonishing artistic treasures, survived earthquakes, and hides a fascinating maritime legend that makes it one of the city’s most compelling attractions.

Why Dubrovnik Cathedral is Unmissable

1. A Cathedral Built on a King’s Promise

• According to legend, King Richard the Lionheart funded the original 12th-century church after surviving a shipwreck nearby
• The current Baroque structure (completed 1713) replaced the Romanesque cathedral destroyed in the 1667 earthquake

2. Artistic & Religious Treasures

• Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin Mary – The high altar’s stunning polyptych by the Renaissance master
• Gold and Silver Reliquaries – Over 100 precious artifacts in the cathedral treasury
• St. Blaise’s Skull – The gilded reliquary of Dubrovnik’s patron saint

3. Architectural Highlights

• Dome Interior – Breathtaking frescoes of biblical scenes
• Side Chapels – Including the unique St. John Nepomuk Chapel with its silver altar
• Organ Concerts – Regular performances on the historic 19th-century organ

Visitor’s Guide to Dubrovnik Cathedral

Essential Information

📍 Location: Kneza Damjana Jude 1, right off the Stradun
⏰ Opening Hours:

• 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (April–October)
• 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (November–March)
• Closed during mass (check schedule)
  💰 Entry Fees:
• Cathedral: Free (donation appreciated)
• Treasury Museum: ~30 HRK

Best Times to Visit

• Early Morning: Beat the crowds and cruise ship groups
• Golden Hour: When sunlight streams through the dome
• Organ Concert Days: Check the cathedral noticeboard

What Not to Miss

1. The Treasury (a must-see for the Titian painting alone)
2. The Baptismal Font – Made from stone from the original 12th-century church
3. The Crypt – With fragments of the medieval cathedral

Pro Tips

✔ Dress modestly – Shoulders and knees should be covered
✔ Combine your visit with nearby Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace
✔ Look up! The dome’s interior frescoes are spectacular

The Maritime Miracle Behind the Cathedral

Local legend says the original cathedral was funded by King Richard the Lionheart’s shipwrecked treasure in 1192. While historians debate this, the story persists – and the cathedral’s maritime connections continue with sailors’ votive offerings still visible today.