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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the tour groups

St. Francis Church and Monastery
Best Time
Beat the tour groups

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Franciscan monastery near Zadar's seafront, featuring a serene courtyard, religious art, and an intimate chapel for reflection.
"Lovely little monastery, near the seafront, you can hear the sea from this place.
"
🎟️ 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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.

Chapel to San Francis
Inside the Church
An intimate and unique space perfect for lighting a candle and quiet contemplation.

Religious Art Collection
Museum Area
Discover lovely religious pieces of art that showcase the monastery's rich history and cultural significance.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ 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.
🕯️ Light a Candle
The chapel offers a unique opportunity for reflection; candles are available for a small fee.
🗣️ Engage with Staff
Some visitors highlight the helpfulness and stories shared by staff, enhancing the experience.
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!
🤫 Respectful Visit
Maintain a quiet demeanor, especially in the chapel and church areas.
🕯️ Light a Candle
The chapel offers a unique opportunity for reflection; candles are available for a small fee.
🗣️ Engage with Staff
Some visitors highlight the helpfulness and stories shared by staff, enhancing the experience.
🌊 Proximity to Sea
Enjoy the unique ambiance of hearing the sea from within the monastery grounds.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from other Zadar attractions.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.
🎫 🎫 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.
There is a modest admission fee, typically around 15 kunas for adults, with concessions for children and students.
This fee grants access to the church, museum, and courtyard.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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
Yes, visitors have noted that the facilities are very clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary within religious sites. It's advisable to be discreet and respectful, especially inside the church and chapel areas.
The serene courtyard with its architecture and the intimate chapel are popular spots for photography, capturing the historical and spiritual ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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. Consider it a cultural interlude rather than an extended activity for younger visitors.
❤️ Couples and Solo Travelers
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. 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
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.
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.
Visitor Experience and Tips
When planning your visit, be aware that the monastery might not always operate as a formal museum, and experiences with staff can vary. 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. 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.
For those seeking a more peaceful experience, aiming for weekday mornings is recommended to avoid larger tour groups. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit