Peaceful place with a few, excellent religious artefacts
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St. Francis Church and Monastery

4.8
·115 reviews·Zadar, Croatia

A historic Franciscan monastery near Zadar's seafront, featuring a serene courtyard, religious art, and an intimate chapel for reflection.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the tour groups

CrowdLow
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Peaceful place with a few, excellent religious artefacts

St. Francis Church and Monastery

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the tour groups

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Franciscan monastery near Zadar's seafront, featuring a serene courtyard, religious art, and an intimate chapel for reflection. Reddit

4.8
(115 reviews)

"Lovely little monastery, near the seafront, you can hear the sea from this place. Reddit"

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TIP

🎟️ Admission Fee

Expect a small entrance fee (around 15 kunas for adults). Worth it for the history and art!

🤫 Respectful Visit

Maintain a quiet demeanor, especially in the chapel and church areas.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Monastery Courtyard

Monastery Courtyard

Central Courtyard

A serene oasis with beautiful architecture, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into monastic life. Hear the sea from this spot.

Reddit
Chapel to San Francis

Chapel to San Francis

Inside the Church

An intimate and unique space perfect for lighting a candle and quiet contemplation.

Reddit
Religious Art Collection

Religious Art Collection

Museum Area

Discover lovely religious pieces of art that showcase the monastery's rich history and cultural significance.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

To avoid crowds and experience the tranquility of St. Francis Church and Monastery, aim for weekday mornings. The monastery can get busy with tour groups, so arriving early ensures a more peaceful exploration of its historical significance and beautiful courtyard. TikTok

Understanding the Experience

While some visitors have reported mixed experiences with staff, many find the monastery and museum to be a worthwhile visit, rich in history and religious art. Be prepared for a small admission fee and consider the intimate chapel for a moment of reflection. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the tour groups
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Quieter moments
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

48 hours in Lima, Peru Day One - Plaza Mayor - Monastery St. Francis - Miraflores Central Park - El infusionista Day Two - Visit Paracas and Ica * I found this excursion on https://teleticket.com.pe however, you can find the same excursion anywhere from TripAdvisor, the malls in Lima or even your own hotel. The prices might vary depending on the place you buy your tickets. #travelguide #travelbl...
@meetbetsy20
2.1K likes • 74.5K views

🎟️ Admission Fee

Expect a small entrance fee (around 15 kunas for adults). Worth it for the history and art! Reddit

🤫 Respectful Visit

Maintain a quiet demeanor, especially in the chapel and church areas. Reddit

🇧🇦Franciscan Monastery – Rama - Šćit🇧🇦 The monastery in Rama was built by the Franciscans in the 15th century, and is one of thirteen monasteries referred to in 1514 in a census of the Bosnian Franciscan Province. The renovation of the monastery began in 1856, and of the church, in 1873. The Monastery and the Church have been several times burnt and restored. The interior of the Church is decorat...
bosniaexploring
366 likes • 13.1K views
Today at St. Andrew’s Church, Bandra on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi brought together Pets and their humans in the most heart-warming way. A beautiful reminder that compassion isn’t just preached — it’s practiced, paws and all. Thank you for that @st.andrewchurchbandra 🙏💖 It was joyful, chaotic, and absolutely beautiful — proof that God’s love really does come with fur, feathers, and a littl...
eltonsteve
19.4K likes • 276.5K views

🕯️ Light a Candle

The chapel offers a unique opportunity for reflection; candles are available for a small fee. Reddit

🗣️ Engage with Staff

Some visitors highlight the helpfulness and stories shared by staff, enhancing the experience. Reddit

The Minor Fathers of the Third Order of St Francis built this church and monastery of the Cross on the hill of Santa Maria Della Croce, completed in 1528, high above Scicli. The acoustic in the church is perfect, resounding to a moving rendering of the Ave Maria by my companion as we visited this sensitively restored interior two days ago. Highly recommended to visit, the elevation offers stupendo...
taorminangelo51
7 likes • 136 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Admission Fee

Expect a small entrance fee (around 15 kunas for adults). Worth it for the history and art! Reddit

🤫 Respectful Visit

Maintain a quiet demeanor, especially in the chapel and church areas. Reddit

🕯️ Light a Candle

The chapel offers a unique opportunity for reflection; candles are available for a small fee. Reddit

🗣️ Engage with Staff

Some visitors highlight the helpfulness and stories shared by staff, enhancing the experience. Reddit

🌊 Proximity to Sea

Enjoy the unique ambiance of hearing the sea from within the monastery grounds. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(115 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find St. Francis Church and Monastery to be a nice and interesting historical site with a beautiful courtyard and intimate chapel. Many praise the helpfulness of the staff, though some have noted less positive interactions. The modest admission fee is considered worthwhile for the art and unique atmosphere. Reddit

"Nice monastery and museum that is worth visiting, it has a unique history and place in Zadar"

Alonso Carral Cuevas

"May be I didn't understand something, but now they are not working as a museum, it was possible to get to the church where the man worker was extremely rude. These catholics sometimes are crazy."

Dasha P.

"Lovely little monastery, near the seafront, you can hear the sea from this place, they have a beautiful courtyard, the chapel to San Francis is intimate and unique to light a candle cost 5 kunas, the church is beautiful, they have lovely religious pieces of art. The ticket is 15 kunas, 10 kunas and 5 kunas. From adult, child and students… Worth it to enter. They have very clean toilets."

Ljubica Banic

What People Like

Beautiful courtyard
Helpful staff
Historical art

What People Dislike

Inconsistent staff experiences
Museum hours variability

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. Francis Church and Monastery is conveniently located near the seafront in Zadar. It's easily accessible on foot if you're staying in the city center. Reddit Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from other Zadar attractions. TikTok

Parking in Zadar's old town can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking lots outside the immediate vicinity of the monastery and walk. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, and some visitors have noted that it may not always operate as a formal museum. It's best to check locally or inquire upon arrival for the most current information. Reddit

There is a modest admission fee, typically around 15 kunas for adults, with concessions for children and students. Reddit This fee grants access to the church, museum, and courtyard. Reddit

In some instances, visitors have been able to access the church even when the museum section might not be fully operational. However, experiences with staff can vary. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The monastery features a beautiful courtyard, an intimate chapel dedicated to San Francis, and a collection of religious art. You can also hear the sea from the grounds. Reddit

While it can attract tour groups, visiting during off-peak hours, like weekday mornings, can offer a more tranquil experience. The chapel is particularly suited for quiet reflection. Reddit

Yes, visitors have noted that the facilities are very clean. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography rules can vary within religious sites. It's advisable to be discreet and respectful, especially inside the church and chapel areas. Reddit

The serene courtyard with its architecture and the intimate chapel are popular spots for photography, capturing the historical and spiritual ambiance. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. Francis Church and Monastery can be a brief but enriching stop for families. The courtyard offers a bit of open space for children to move around, and the religious art might spark curiosity. Reddit While not a primary kid-focused attraction, its historical context and the unique atmosphere can be a good educational supplement to a Zadar itinerary. TikTok

Keep in mind that the chapel is a place for quiet reflection, so managing expectations for very young children is key. The admission fee is modest, making it an affordable addition to your day. Reddit Consider it a cultural interlude rather than an extended activity for younger visitors.

❤️ Couples and Solo Travelers

For couples and solo travelers, St. Francis Church and Monastery offers a chance for peaceful reflection and a dose of history. The intimate chapel is perfect for a quiet moment together or for personal contemplation. Reddit The serene courtyard provides a lovely backdrop for a relaxed stroll and conversation. Reddit

Solo travelers will appreciate the opportunity to engage with the historical narratives and the religious art at their own pace. The potential for helpful interactions with staff can also add a personal touch to the visit. Reddit It's an ideal spot for those seeking a quieter, more contemplative experience amidst their travels.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Historical Significance

The St. Francis Church and Monastery in Zadar holds a unique place in the city's history. Founded by Franciscans, it's a testament to centuries of religious and cultural influence. The monastery itself has undergone renovations over time, reflecting its enduring presence. Instagram Its proximity to the sea adds a distinct maritime connection to its spiritual heritage. Reddit

This site is not just a building but a repository of religious art and artifacts, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The Chapel to San Francis provides an intimate setting for reflection, a space where visitors can light a candle and connect with the site's spiritual legacy. Reddit

While the primary focus is on its religious and historical aspects, the monastery also offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. The beautiful courtyard serves as a tranquil oasis, allowing visitors to appreciate the architecture and serene atmosphere. Reddit

Visitor Experience and Tips

Many visitors find St. Francis Church and Monastery to be a really nice and interesting place. The staff are often highlighted as being amazingly helpful and nice, with some visitors specifically mentioning how their stories enhanced the experience. Reddit This personal touch can significantly elevate a visit, making it more than just a sightseeing stop. Reddit

When planning your visit, be aware that the monastery might not always operate as a formal museum, and experiences with staff can vary. Reddit However, the admission fee is generally considered reasonable for what's offered, including access to the church, a collection of religious art, and the serene courtyard. Reddit The chapel to San Francis is a particularly intimate and unique spot for those wishing to light a candle and spend a moment in quiet contemplation. Reddit

For those seeking a more peaceful experience, aiming for weekday mornings is recommended to avoid larger tour groups. Reddit The monastery's location near the seafront also adds a unique auditory element, allowing you to hear the sea from within its walls, contributing to its distinct ambiance. Reddit

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