The Rector's Palace

The Rector's palace is the most impressive building of great historic and artistic value.

Construction of the palace

The construction of the Palace started in the 12th century and lasted a very long time: in 1435, an explosion of gunpowder destroyed the original building. (one part of the palace was armoury). Well known masters like Onofrio della Cava, (the builder of the Dubrovnik water supply) Michelozzo Michelozzi from Florence (builder of the courtyard in the famous Palazzo Vecchio in Florence) and the Juraj Dalmatinac (builder of the famous cathedral at Sibenik) took part. Another explosion in 1463. again damaged the building, especially the western part. Owing to fire and earthquake the building was repaired and restored several times. The original building was constructed in Gothic style, while during the restoration renaissance details (on the facade, arch vaults, several capitols) were added. After the earthquake in 1667 baroque additions were incorporated. All these parts in various styles are harmonically interwoven give the building a charm of unique beauty.

Greek mythology

On the capitols of the tall pillars around the large entrance are various decorations in stone presenting flowers, animals, mythological motives and picturesque representations from Greek myths and legends. Why did they decided to carve Greek myths onto the pillars is still unknown, probably due to fascination with ancient Greek. And yes, you correctly saw a dog humping a human on one of the pillars. Khm...

Reserved for nobles, but...

The baroque staircase in the courtyard was built after the earthquake, in the centre stands a statue of Miho Pracat, the brave Dubrovnik shipowner of the 16th century. That is the only statute dedicated to a common citizen built during the Republic.

The reason that Republic decided to place his bust inside of Rector's Palace is because of his bravery and generosity.

Breaking a pirate siege on one of his voyages got him an audience with Charles the Fifth, when he successfully brought back ships loaded with corn to the hungry citizens. Allegedly he spent a portion of his wealth to buy and set free Christians captured by the Ottoman empire. After his death, in his will he left all his wealth to charity.

Floor plan

On the ground floor were the archives of the Republic, the jail and the ammunition stores.
On the first floor was the Rector's residence and his small chapel.
The Republic's coat of arms in stone can be seen above the staircase together with a clock and small bell.

Rector's Palace today

Today the palace houses the Historical Museum of Dubrovnik's past. The permanent display is housed in the Rector’s Palace, and has been in part handled environmentally and most of all presents the artistic and historical heritage of the last period of the Dubrovnik Republic.

Address & contact details

• Street: Pred Dvorom 3
• City: Dubrovnik
• Telephone: +385 (0)20 321 422
• Web: Cultural History Museum

Last updated 9.11.2020