Valamar Blog

The most affluent library in the City of Dubrovnik is found precisely within the Franciscan monastery, one of the most important sights in Dubrovnik. The monastery was built in 1317 under the city walls near Minceta. Asides from the rich library, which has a large collection of priceless manuscripts, it is also houses one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe that has worked constantly from the time when it was founded (1317) until the present day.

When writing about the Franciscan monastery, the famous Dubrovnik writer Slobodan Prosperov Novak mentions how in the library of the Franciscan monastery there is a preserved example of the first edition of Maruli?’s “Judita”, and Ohmuci?’s manuscript of Gunduli?’s edition of Osman. This is considered to be a real jewel in the library’s crown because all the important editions of this legendary poem have come from it.

When people talk about the old pharmacy, they say that although it has often changed its location within the monastery, its influence on knowledge in Dubrovnik has remained constant throughout the entire city’s history. It is interesting to know that in the Franciscan reading room, a series of medical manuals are kept. These prescription manuscripts were made by the Franciscans who used all possible sources, and included secret healing preparations (secreta), as well as totally run of the mill medicines. The most numerous are a variety of elixirs that ensure a long life and other prescriptions, for instance preparations that aid memory and help keep the peace between marriage partners