Monastery of St. Francis Assisi

The Monastery of St. Francis in Zadar (Croatian: Samostan sv. Frane) is a Franciscan complex dating to the 13th century, set in the city's historic centre. Beside it stands the Church of St. Francis, regarded as the oldest Gothic church in Dalmatia. It is also the place where the Peace of Zadar was signed in 1358, an agreement that shaped the political map of the Adriatic coast.

What is the history of the monastery?

The layout visitors see today took shape between the middle of the 13th century and the early 14th century, when the church, the sacristy and the first cloister were built. The church was consecrated in 1280, and an archival document confirms that the cloister existed by 1380.

After the general chapter held in Cologne in 1393, the monastery became the seat of the Franciscan Province of St. Jerome in Dalmatia. Friars of that province still look after the complex. In the middle of the 15th century the reconstruction of the choir was completed, including a podium made by Juraj Dalmatinac, one of the leading master builders of Dalmatian architecture of his era.

Why does the sacristy matter?

The sacristy doubled as the chapel of St. Louis and as the chapter hall. In 1358 it hosted the signing of the Peace of Zadar between King Louis I of Anjou, ruler of Hungary and Croatia, and the Republic of Venice. The treaty placed Dalmatia under the Hungarian-Croatian crown for roughly half a century. Because of this, the monastery is tied to the region's political history as much as to monastic life.

A European distinction

The complex has been awarded the European Heritage Label as one of the sites linked to the theme of peace. The award was presented in a ceremony in Brussels, underlining the monastery's importance beyond Zadar and Croatia.

Visiting tips

The monastery lies within the old town, so it fits easily into a walk around the Zadar peninsula alongside other landmarks. It remains a working religious site, so modest dress and quiet behaviour are appropriate. Opening hours and entry rules can vary with services and the season, so check locally before you go.

Frequently asked questions

How old is the monastery? It dates to the 13th century; its present layout formed between the mid-13th and early 14th centuries.

What was signed at the Monastery of St. Francis in Zadar? The Peace of Zadar, concluded in 1358 in the sacristy between Louis I of Anjou and the Republic of Venice.

Who runs the monastery? Franciscans of the Province of St. Jerome.

Is the church really the oldest of its kind? It is considered the oldest Gothic church in Dalmatia and was consecrated in 1280.

Is it still an active religious site? Yes. It is a working Franciscan monastery, so visitors should keep to a respectful, quiet manner.