St. Ignatius Church

After climbing the grand baroque staircase, you’ll find yourself in front of one of Dubrovnik’s most treasured landmarks, St. Ignatius Church. Built between 1699 and 1725 and inaugurated in 1729, it was inspired by the design of Rome’s famous Church of the Gesù. Its construction was made possible thanks to the generous funding of a Jesuit from the prominent Gundulić family, and it bears the name of the order’s founder, Ignatius of Loyola. On its bright, elegant façade, you’ll notice an empty niche — originally intended for a statue. The ship carrying it sank at sea, and no replacement was ever made. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by vibrant frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. Ignatius, painted by Gaetano Garcia, as well as one of the oldest replicas of the Grotto of Lourdes in Europe, added in 1885. And yes — entry is free.