Rector's Palace

This secular palace is a harmonious combination of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture.

TravelCurious Tip

Look out for the statue of Miho Pracat in the atrium, who bequeathed his wealth to the city in his will and subsequently became the only ordinary citizen to be honoured in this way.

Centrally located in Dubrovnik’s Old Town between the cathedral and the town hall, the Gothic-Rennaissance rector’s palace is a strikingly-fronted building which bears the weight of several centuries of history. This was where the rector, or governor of Dubrovnik, used to live and work in the days when the city was a republic known as Ragusa.


Rising from the Ashes

Until the 15th century, the building on this site was primarily used for defence, but in 1435 it was gutted by a large fire, and the authorities of the day decided that a grand new palace should be built on the ruins. As with several other important buildings in Dubrovnik, the job of designing and building the palace fell to an Italian. This time it was master architect Onofrio di Giordano della Cava, a Neapolitan who had already overseen the construction of the city’s water system, and for whom the large fountain at the western end of Stradun is named.


Showcasing the History of Architecture

Less than 30 years after it was completed, the palace was badly damaged by an explosion in the gunpowder store of the palace armoury. This resulted in many years of renovations, which altered and updated the original design as different architectural styles fell in and out of favour. It is for this reason that most of the sculptures in the mostly-gothic building are carved in the Renaissance style. Furthermore, after damages sustained during the great earthquake of 1667, the entire southern wing of the palace was rebuilt in the baroque style. The unusually extended period of time in which the palace was constructed makes for an intriguing lesson in how architecture changed over the centuries.


Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Cathedral
This Baroque Roman Catholic cathedral was rebuilt after the 1667 earthquake on a site of worship that dates back to the 7th century.
City Walls of Dubrovnik
The imposing defensive walls of Dubrovnik guarded the freedom of a sophisticated republic for five centuries.
Dubrovnik Cruise Port
A port renowned for its fascinating history, crystal clear water and astounding superyachts.
The Synagogue and Jewish Museum
The world's oldest operating Sephardic Synagogue, with a museum telling the story of the Jews of Dubrovnik.
Orlando Column
A 600-year-old column carved in honour of the legendary knight Orlando, who saved Dubrovnik from a siege by Arab pirates in the 8th century.
City Bell Tower
A beautiful landmark of the Old Town, with a bell struck by two bronze men.

Related Tours

Dubrovnik Old Town & City Walls: Private Half-Day Walking Tour
Explore the beautifully historic Old Town of Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, with its golden architecture glowing in the sunshine, and enjoy a stroll around the city walls, built in the 16th century, stretching for two kilometres offering magnificent views of the shimmering sea and terracotta rooftops.

On your private tour, you will: 

  • Explore the charming Old Town of Dubrovnik, a beautiful coastal city situated on the Adriatic;
  • Learn about its rich and varied history as a powerful city-state up until 1802, and the terrible siege of 1991 during the Yugoslavian civil war;
  • Wander along its tranquil honey-coloured cobbled streets, admiring the beautiful architecture of its churches, public buildings, and monuments;
  • See the Old Town Market and Main Street, soaking up the atmosphere;
  • Admire the Gothic and Renaissance Churches like St Saviour Chuch, built in the 1520s after the city survived a major earthquake;
  • Visit the tranquil Franciscan Monastery, the lovely Church of St Blaise and the Jesuit Stairs;
  • Wander down to the harbour, famed for its fortification towers and stunning views over the sea and the Old Town;
  • Walk around the City Walls, a truly breathtaking experience with panoramic views out to the ocean, and back to the city;
  • Choose where you end the tour: either on the city walls or back in the Old Town, your guide will be happy to give you options!


Your tour begins at Stradun, Dubrovnik's famous city square, boasting many beautiful old buildings, including the Rector’s Palace, a 14th-century Baroque masterpiece, which served not only as a residence but also as an armoury, powder magazine, watch house, and prison. 

You will also have the pleasure of visiting Onofrio's Fountain, where you will be able to admire the magnificent Sponza Palace. From here you will head onwards to the Franciscan Monastery and Old Pharmacy - the third oldest in the world!

After walking across the main square you will come across the Baroque Cathedral of the Assumption, rebuilt in the 18th century following an earthquake, and now a popular venue for weddings and celebrations. Other highlights, not to be missed, include Dubrovnik Cathedral and the Church of St. Blaise. 

Here you will learn all about the fascinating legend of Richard the Lionheart who, returning from the Crusades in 1192, was shipwrecked in a storm, and cast aground on Lokrum Island in front of Dubrovnik. When Richard tried to convince the leaders of Dubrovnik to build a church on the island, Richard was instead persuaded to build the cathedral in Dubrovnik proper. 

You will also hear about the infamous medieval orphanage, communal granaries, and the scandals of the chequered lives of the local aristocrats.

After touring the idyllic Old Town, you will traverse the beautiful City Walls, a 2km stone wall that has protected the city for centuries, tickets included. During your walk along the city walls, you will be able to take in the panoramic views of the city below – as your guide points out landmarks of interest, including the locations where Game of Thrones was filmed! 

End your tour on the walls, or at a bar back in the Old Town the choice is yours. 


Please note: This tour includes tickets to access the city walls which are also valid for entering Fort Lovrijenac (St. Lawrence Fortress) which you are free to explore at your own leisure within 3 days of your tour. 
The Best of Dubrovnik Live Virtual Tour
Dubrovnik, also known as "The Pearl of the Adriatic", is a perfectly preserved medieval city with huge sturdy stone walls built between the 11th and 17th centuries for protection and that back in those years, it used to rival Venice as a trading port.

On this live virtual tour, you will take a stroll down the quaint narrow streets of Dubrovnik’s picturesque Old Town through its impressive surroundings while hearing its tales and history that only a local professional tour guide can tell.

You will see: 
  • Pile Bay
  • Pile Gate, the grand entrance to Dubrovnik's old town, complete with drawbridge and Renaissance arch.
  • Onofrio’s Fountain, built as a part of the water supply system in the 15th century that was once a vital water source for the town's people.
  • The Franciscan church, the third oldest public pharmacy in Europe from the 13th century
  • St. Blaise’s church, Dubrovnik's saint patron, and hear his story about him and traditional procession held on his feast day
  • Orlando’s column, a 600-year-old column carved in honour of the legendary knight Orlando, who saved Dubrovnik from a siege by Arab pirates in the 8th century
  • Sponza palace - state mint and customs house in middle ages
  • City Belltower, a beautiful landmark of the Old Town with a bell struck by two bronze men
  • Revelin fortress, created to give additional security to the Eastern city gate
  • Old Quarantine founded as the first quarantine in Europe in the 14th century
  • Fortress of St. John
  • Cathedral of Our Lady that counted with a Lionheart’s donation for the construction of this 12th-century cathedral
  • Rector’s palace, a harmonious combination of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture.

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