Franciscan Monastery

The main architectural attraction of the village of Lopud on Lopud Island is the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery, which contains some fine Renaissance artworks.

Lopud is the main village on the island, which is just 1.7 sq miles in size, supports a population of 2,000, and is accessed by frequent motorboat service from Dubrovnik. It is the most popular of the three Elaphite Islands and most of the residents work in farming or the tourist industry.

The village of Lopud lies in a fertile valley sheltered from the wind by two ranges of hills. Its Franciscan monastery, dating from 1483, is the main attraction. The monastic church, St. Mary of Spilica (Gospa od Spilica), boasts a carved choir from the 15th century and a number of notable paintings, including:

Other attractions in Lopud include a small ethnographic museum, the ruins of a small fortress, other ancient churches in various stages of decay, and a wonderful sandy beach with a restaurant and bar.