St Ignatius Church, Dubrovnik (must see)

A fine example of an old Jesuit-style Roman Catholic architecture, the Church of St Ignatius of Loyola is located on the southernmost edge of the old part of Dubrovnik. The construction started in 1665 and, after a slight delay during the great earthquake of 1667, was completed in 1725. The designer was Ignazio Pozzo.

Just like many other buildings owned by the Jesuit community, this house of worship was modeled on the Gesu in Rome, which is the main headquarters for the Order. The overall architectural style is Baroque. The square in front of the church – decorated with a beautiful stairway, another classic example of Baroque – is a very popular spot for gatherings in the city.

There is a small college associated with the complex here as well, well worth a look, complete with some noteworthy pieces of art. The fresco paintings here are particularly beautiful. The bell is also the oldest in the town.

Why You Should Visit:
The location at the top of the now-famous Game of Thrones 'shame' steps, the lack of tourists, and the old detailed interior all contribute to a memorable landmark.

Tip:
Try to visit when the mass is on (there's an English mass on Sundays at 11am during the summer – end of March through end of October) as the lights are on and the inside looks spectacular.
You can reach the church either by the Jesuit staircase that offers a wonderful view as you walk up or by climbing gradually through a maze of back streets that spare you the effort of all the steps.

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am-7pm