The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary stands in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, near Rector’s Palace and Luža Square. Rebuilt in Baroque style after the 1667 earthquake, it has a pale stone façade, a central dome and a three-nave interior with marble columns. Look for Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin above the main altar, then visit the Treasury for sacred art and relics, including those of St Blaise. Entry to the cathedral is free; the Treasury has a separate fee.
Rebuilt after the 1667 earthquake
The cathedral’s present Baroque form dates to the rebuilding that followed the earthquake of 1667, which destroyed its predecessor. The current building was designed by Italian architect Andrea Bufalini and completed in the early 18th century. It occupies the site of earlier religious buildings, with accounts referring to a medieval church and older basilica foundations.
A local tradition links the earlier cathedral to England’s King Richard the Lionheart. The story says he survived a shipwreck near Dubrovnik in 1192 and contributed gold toward a church. This is a tradition, not a confirmed account of the current building’s construction.
Inside the cathedral
The interior follows a three-nave basilica plan, with large Corinthian pillars supporting the space beneath a high central dome. Natural light falls at the crossing. Look for the geometric red-and-white marble floor, stone barrel vaulting and stained-glass windows.
Titian’s polyptych, the Assumption of the Virgin, hangs above the main marble altar. The painting is one of the cathedral’s central works of art. Take time to look around the side altars and the decoration before heading to the Treasury.
The Treasury and relics of St Blaise
The cathedral’s Treasury holds religious relics and works of sacred art. Its collection includes objects associated with St Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint, as well as gold and silver reliquaries. Some reliquaries are shaped like a crown, hands, legs and a monstrance; the examples described in the material date from the 11th to the 15th centuries.
The Treasury is a separate visit from the free cathedral interior and has an entry fee. It is the place to focus on if you want to see the collection of relics and church treasures up close.
A stop in Dubrovnik’s Old Town
The cathedral is near Rector’s Palace and forms part of a compact group of Old Town landmarks around Luža Square. Its pale façade and dome are visible among the terracotta roofs, and the building can also be admired from the city walls.
As a working Catholic cathedral, it is also a place of worship. Keep your clothing respectful and give space to anyone attending a service. If the main entrance is temporarily closed, access may be through a side entrance; check the entrance when you arrive.
Perguntas frequentes
Is Dubrovnik Cathedral free to enter?
Entry to the cathedral is free. The attached Treasury has a separate fee.
What is there to see inside Dubrovnik Cathedral?
Look for the three-nave interior, central dome, marble floor, stained glass and Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin above the main altar.
What can you see in the Treasury?
The Treasury holds religious art and relics, including objects associated with St Blaise and gold and silver reliquaries.
Where is Dubrovnik Cathedral?
It is in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, near Rector’s Palace and Luža Square.
