Franciscan Monastery

Walgreens watch out. This small apothecary inside the 14th-century monastery complex has been in business in 1317 and claims to be the oldest working pharmacy in Europe (it still sells herbal lotions and tonic made according to ancient recipes). It has a fascinating display of ancient lab equipment, mortars, measuring implements, and decorative containers used over the centuries. The monastery is accessed via a narrow passage from St. Saviour Church; the complex's Romanesque cloister is the monastery's most compelling feature (the postquake Renaissance cloister is open to Franciscans only). The lower cloister's open wall of double columns (topped with human, animal, and plant carvings) frame a tranquil open garden area where you can imagine monks enjoying the contemplative life. The complex also is home to a 15th-century well, the single-nave St. Francis Church, a bell tower, and the monastery museum, whose library contains ancient writings, music manuscripts, gold and silver objets d'art, and other items that illuminate Dubrovnik's history.

Just for Kids: Getting Stoned -- When you leave St. Saviour Church for the Franciscan monastery next door, keep your eyes downcast and you'll see a 12*12-inch stone with a carved face and flat, smooth top protruding about 6 inches above the street. You'll also see a crowd watching people attempting to stand on the stone for a few seconds. Legend says that guys who can stay on the stone known as "The Mask" long enough to remove their shirts will have good luck. (Girls also try this but are entitled to the luck without removing their tops.)

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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