RECTOR'S PALACE (KNEŽEV DVOR)

The former residence of the rector of the ancient republic of Ragusa is one of the most beautiful monuments of the city. This great governor having bequeathed his entire fortune to the city-state, the palace is the only historical building ever tolerated by the republic, which is dedicated to the glory of a simple citizen. The first two versions of the palace were destroyed in 1435 and 1463 by various explosions. The present palace is the work of Onofrio di Giordana della Cava, but also of Michelozzo Michelozzi and Juraj Dalmatinac, the main builders of Dubrovnik. Finally, in this building, completed in 1739, a surprising mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles dialogue elegantly, each testifying to the different histories of the palace and its different builders.

On the west façade, Gothic columns and 15th century capitals, two of which are originals by Onofrio, frame the main entrance: one symbolizes justice and a pair of lions, the other the rector restoring justice before the citizens of Ragusa. Inside, the atrium is one of Onofrio's masterpieces. The Renaissance arcades on three of the four sides give majesty to the whole, while on the fourth side a staircase leads to a superb baroque balustrade. Under the arches of the staircase is a Gothic fountain. In the same atrium, there is a bust of Miho Pracat (Michaeli Prazzato) made by the master Pietro Giacometti da Recanati, in 1638, in honor of the rich citizen and patron.

On the second floor of the palace are the apartments and offices of the rector. The rector, who had to belong to a noble family of the city, was elected for only one month. During this period, he was confined to the palace, avoiding any distraction.

The palace also houses a permanent exhibition by photographer Božidar Gjukić where you can discover another page of the city's history, when Dubrovnik was under siege between 1991 and 1992. Black and white photos, without commentary, which show only through the image the old city under the bombing.

The Museum of City History (Povijesni muzej) now owns most of these apartments. A picture gallery presents paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries, as well as numerous costumes and furniture from the period, medals, stamps, coats of arms, medieval weapons and an important numismatic collection. Magnificent atrium.