Franciscan monastery, Hvar, Croatia

On the cape to the south of the Hvar lies the Franciscan Monastery with a church of Our Lady of Mercy, built in the late 15th century. Hanibal Lucić's grave is under the main altar in the church. The cloister, with its monumental rounded arches with a well in the middle, dominates the whole of the Renaissance monastery. The bell tower, in Renaissance style, is the work of an artist from Korčula.

Within the peace and quiet of the monastery walls, you can enjoy a rich display of museum exhibits (collections of Greek, Roman and Venetian coins, liturgical items, atlas of the ancient cartographer Ptolemaeus, rare exhibits of amphora, etc), as well as paintings of Venetian artists like Francesco Santacroce and Palma Junior. The monastery is known for its magnificent painting of the Last Supper (2 x 8 m) which leaves everyone breathless. Some critics believe it is the work of a painter from Ravenna Matteo Ingoli, whilst others think that the painting belongs to the school of Palma Junior. One more rarity that makes the monastery famous is the 300-year old cypress that is located in the garden of the monastery.

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User Reviews

benjamin kilin (5 years ago)
it's nice to be visited

Karlo Šunjo (5 years ago)
They have museum worth visiting. There's a great collection of coins all the way from antic Greece. Archeological collection of antic dishes from Roman ships is mind boggling. Also, relief from Meštrović is awe inspiring. Church is beautiful with beautiful iconostsis-looking wall between choir and the pews. Must see

Louis Friedlander (5 years ago)
Nice place, well preserved. Unfortunately museum was closed when we visited.

David Bisset (6 years ago)
The church is a stunning landmark with an interesting interior. The museum is interesting with mostly nautical exhibits. The large painting of the Last Supper is an important work of Venetian art. There is also a small shaded garden with sea views. We had a long - and useful - conversation with the custodian.

Dave T (6 years ago)
Lovely little monastery in a stunning spot on your way out of town. Small museum and a few relics inside but not much else. Small, nice, but nothing spectacular pop in of passing, but don't go out of your way

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