St. Saviour Church

The Church of St Saviour in Dubrovnik (Croatian: Crkva sv. Spasa) is a small but remarkable church right beside the Pile Gate, at the western end of the Old Town's main street, the Stradun. It is regarded as one of the first Renaissance buildings in a city that had until then been built largely in the Gothic style.

Why was the church built?

It was raised as a votive offering after the earthquake of 17 May 1520, which killed about 20 people. The Senate of the Republic of Dubrovnik felt the city had been spared far worse and decided to give thanks by commissioning a new church. The design was entrusted to Petar Andrijić of Korčula. Construction began in 1520 and the building itself was finished in 1528. Fitting out the interior took several more years: the high altar was completed in 1533, when a painter known as magister Petrus, identified with the Venetian artist Pietro di Giovanni, decorated the altarpiece frame.

What does the church look like?

It has a single nave covered by a Gothic-style ribbed cross vault. The facade, however, is clearly Renaissance: a decorated portal, a crown made of three semicircular fields, and a semicircular apse give it clean, harmonious proportions. The blend of the two styles is typical of the turn of the era in Dalmatian architecture.

Did it survive the great earthquake?

Yes. When the catastrophic earthquake of 1667 struck Dubrovnik, killing around 5,000 residents and flattening much of the city, St Saviour survived. It has kept its original appearance to this day, which makes it a valuable witness to the architecture of the city before that disaster. There is a certain irony in a building raised in gratitude for deliverance proving so durable itself.

Where is it and what is nearby?

The church stands at the entrance to the Old Town from the Pile Gate, between the city walls and the Franciscan monastery, known for its cloister and historic pharmacy. It makes an ideal first stop after crossing the gate, or a short pause before walking down the Stradun. It is a Catholic parish church, but today it is also used for exhibitions, and in summer it hosts chamber concerts. Check current opening hours and the event programme before visiting.

A legend about its construction

A popular story says that noblewomen of Dubrovnik carried building materials and mixed the mortar with milk and egg whites. This is folklore rather than documented fact, so treat it as a local tale.

Frequently asked questions

When was St Saviour built? Construction began in 1520 and the building was completed in 1528. Work on the furnishings, including the high altar, continued until about 1533.

Who designed it? Petar Andrijić of Korčula.

What architectural style is it? A single nave with a Gothic-type rib vault, combined with a Renaissance facade, portal and apse.

Where exactly is it? At the western end of the Stradun, near the Pile Gate and the Franciscan monastery.

Can visitors go inside? It is often open during exhibitions and concerts, but hours vary, so check on site or with the tourist office.

Did it suffer in the 1667 earthquake? No. It survived and retains its original form.