Convent and Church of St Mary’s (Our Lady of Danče)

Situated on about 15 minutes walk from the heart of the Old Town, Convent and Church of St Mary’s is an amazing place that should not be missed if visiting Dubrovnik.

Also known as Our Lady of Danče aka Gospa od Danača, the church dates from 1457 and since then it is run by Franciscan Nuns.

The church houses two well-known late Gothic and early Renaissance altarpiece polyptych paintings, the works of local masters Lovro Dobričević and Nikola Božidarević (see below photos)

The complex, located just above Danče beach and next to Gradac park, was established in the 15th century as plague quarantine that in the 17th century moved to Lazareti. A small local cemetery (see photo below) is also part of the same complex.

The Franciscan Nuns that nowadays live in the convent still follow the tradition that started centuries ago of the ringing of church bells and waving to passing by ships and sailors wishing them calm seas and a safe return home.

Views over the church and convent from Gradac park

The back facade of the church

The front facade of the Church with a portal, baptismal font, rosette and bell tower

Popular routes: Split to Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik to Split, Hvar to Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik to Hvar

Church Portal and a baptismal font on the western facade

Nikola Božidarević’s Madonna with Child polyptych on the altarpiece (1517)

The interior of the Church: with Nikola Bozidarevic’s and Lovro Dobričević’s Madonna with Child polyptych (1465) and an altarpiece

Views from the inside of Church

The small cemetery is also part of the whole complex

Views from the Church over Danče bay 

More info of the church and convent at their website + see some old images of this lovely church