St. Ignatius Church
A Baroque masterpiece with a breathtaking trompe-l'oeil ceiling and iconic 'Game of Thrones' staircase.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
St. Ignatius Church
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Baroque masterpiece with a breathtaking trompe-l'oeil ceiling and iconic 'Game of Thrones' staircase.
"Stepping into the Church of St. Ignatius feels like stepping into a painting."
🤫 Seek Serenity
Visit early or late to avoid crowds and truly soak in the peaceful, spiritual ambiance.
🤩 Look Up!
The trompe-l'oeil ceiling is a must-see; spend time marveling at the illusion.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Trompe-l'oeil Ceiling
Main Nave
A breathtaking illusion of a dome and heavenly scenes, creating an awe-inspiring, expansive feel.
Baroque Staircase
Exterior
Iconic steps featured in 'Game of Thrones,' offering a grand entrance and photo opportunity.
Vibrant Frescoes
Side Altars and Apse
Magnificent wall paintings depicting scenes from the life of St. Ignatius and other religious narratives.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Embrace the Baroque Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Started walking into random churches around Rome. Came across the most beautiful church/building I've ever been in
🤫 Seek Serenity
Visit early or late to avoid crowds and truly soak in the peaceful, spiritual ambiance.
🤩 Look Up!
The trompe-l'oeil ceiling is a must-see; spend time marveling at the illusion.
📸 Game of Thrones Spot
Don't forget to snap a photo on the famous Baroque staircase outside.
🚶♀️ Explore the Area
It's conveniently located near other Old Town attractions like the Jesuit College.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Seek Serenity
Visit early or late to avoid crowds and truly soak in the peaceful, spiritual ambiance.
🤩 Look Up!
The trompe-l'oeil ceiling is a must-see; spend time marveling at the illusion.
📸 Game of Thrones Spot
Don't forget to snap a photo on the famous Baroque staircase outside.
🚶♀️ Explore the Area
It's conveniently located near other Old Town attractions like the Jesuit College.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Ignatius Church as a hidden masterpiece, highlighting its breathtaking trompe-l'oeil ceiling and vibrant frescoes. Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the iconic Baroque staircase, which gained fame from 'Game of Thrones.' While some note it's a short visit, its artistic and spiritual impact is undeniable.
"Lovely church to the right of the Jesuit Staircase. Beautfiul and very quiet. It was designed by a Roman architect based on the church of St. Ignatius in Rome. It was built in 1699.
The curved alter with domed ceiling is incredible as is the stain glass windows. It is truly worthwhile. The entire area is unique."
Mat Bienczyk
"Beautiful Jesuit Baroque church completed in 1725. Constructed around a single nave, the church has four side altars, two on either side. Both the main and side altars showcase some magnificent Baroque frescoes with the apse portraying scenes from the life of St Ignatius. There is also a grotto dedicated to "Our Lady of Lourdes"."
Miles Macdonald
"Impressive church in the Old Town of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Well preserved wall paintings with the side chapels decorated with vast wall paintings. Free to enter and spend time there in quiet, away from the crowds.
Overall, worth a short walk through."
Jamie Wojciechowski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Ignatius Church is located in the heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town, easily accessible on foot. It's situated at the top of the grand Baroque staircase, just off the main Stradun street. If you're coming from outside the Old Town, you can walk from the Pile Gate or Ploče Gate entrances.
The Baroque staircase is quite grand and has many steps, but it's a beautiful climb. Take your time and enjoy the views as you ascend. It's a popular spot for photos, so be prepared for others to be there.
Driving is not permitted within the Old Town walls. The nearest parking would be outside the city walls, such as the public garage at Pile Gate, followed by a walk into the Old Town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to St. Ignatius Church is free. You can step inside to admire the art and architecture without any cost.
The church is generally open daily, but specific hours can vary. It's best to check locally or look for signs upon arrival, as it's a place of worship.
Photography is usually permitted inside churches, but it's important to be respectful. Avoid using flash, especially during services, and be mindful of other visitors.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The most striking feature is the incredible trompe-l'oeil ceiling, which creates a stunning illusion of a dome and heavenly scenes. The vibrant frescoes on the walls and altars are also a major highlight.
Yes, it's perfect for a short visit. You can admire the main artworks and soak in the atmosphere in about 15-30 minutes, making it an easy addition to your Old Town itinerary.
The grand Baroque staircase leading up to the church is famous for its appearance in HBO's 'Game of Thrones,' where it served as the steps to the Great Sept of Baelor.
The church features four side altars, each decorated with magnificent Baroque frescoes. There's also a grotto dedicated to 'Our Lady of Lourdes,' adding to the spiritual significance of the site.
📸 📸 Photography
The Baroque staircase outside offers a fantastic vantage point for capturing the church's facade. Inside, the trompe-l'oeil ceiling and side altars are prime subjects, though be mindful of lighting and other visitors.
The ceiling is high, so you'll likely need a wide-angle lens or to shoot from a lower perspective to capture its full grandeur. Be patient and try to find a clear moment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the church is a place of worship, its relatively compact size and free entry make it an easy stop for families exploring Dubrovnik's Old Town. It provides a moment of calm and a chance to introduce children to impressive art and architecture without requiring a long commitment. Remember to encourage quiet behavior inside the church.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside, the trompe-l'oeil ceiling is a challenging but rewarding subject. Experiment with different angles and focal lengths to convey the illusion of depth. The side altars with their frescoes also provide rich detail and color. Be mindful of lighting conditions and the presence of other visitors to get the best shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Illusion: Trompe-l'oeil and Frescoes
Beyond the ceiling, the church's interior is adorned with vibrant frescoes on its side altars and apse. These detailed paintings, often depicting scenes from the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola, add to the church's rich visual narrative. The artistry extends to the altars themselves, showcasing magnificent Baroque designs that complement the painted works. The overall effect is one of overwhelming beauty and spiritual grandeur, making it a significant example of Baroque religious art.
A 'Game of Thrones' Connection and Architectural Heritage
Architecturally, the church, completed in 1725, is a significant example of Jesuit Baroque style. Designed by Ignacio Pozzo, it shares similarities with its namesake in Rome. The church features a single nave with four side altars, a design that emphasizes a sense of unity and focus towards the main altar. The facade is also a notable element of its Baroque design, contributing to the overall grandeur of the structure.
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