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Rector's Palace: A Journey Through Dubrovnik's History

Explore Dubrovnik's Rector's Palace: A stunning blend of Gothic, Renaissance & Baroque architecture, steeped in history and culture.

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The Rector's Palace in Dubrovnik, a harmonious blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, once served as the seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa. Today, it functions as a museum, offering a glimpse into Dubrovnik's rich past through styled furniture, historical artifacts, and art exhibitions.

A brief summary to Rector's Palace

Local tips

  • Purchase the Dubrovnik Pass for access to the Rector's Palace and other attractions, offering a cost-effective way to explore the city.
  • Visit during the shoulder season (spring or fall) to avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant weather.
  • Check the official website for updated opening hours and special events, especially during holidays.
  • Allow at least 1.5-2 hours to fully explore the palace and its museum collections.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Rector's Palace is located in the heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town, making it easily accessible on foot from most points within the city walls. From Pile Gate, the main entrance to the Old Town, walk straight along Stradun (the main street) towards Luža Square. The Rector's Palace will be on your left, between the Town Hall and the Cathedral. No additional costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus to Dubrovnik's main bus station (located in Gruž), take bus lines 1A, 1B, or 3 to Pile Gate. From Pile Gate, proceed on foot along Stradun to reach the Rector's Palace. A single bus ticket costs €1.73 if purchased at a newsstand or Libertas kiosk, or €2.50 if purchased from the driver.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available in Dubrovnik. A short taxi ride from Gruž to Pile Gate (the entrance to the Old Town) typically costs between €10-€15. From Pile Gate, walk along Stradun to the Rector's Palace. Note that the Old Town is a car-free zone, so you will be dropped off at Pile Gate.

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Discover more about Rector's Palace

Nestled in Dubrovnik's Old Town, the Rector's Palace (Knežev dvor) stands as a remarkable monument of secular architecture, embodying a captivating blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. For over 500 years, from the 14th century to 1808, this palace served as the administrative center and residence of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa, a powerful city-state. Originally a defensive structure in the early Middle Ages, the palace underwent numerous transformations due to fires, gunpowder explosions, and earthquakes. Rebuilt and redesigned by notable architects like Onofrio della Cava and Salvi di Michele, each reconstruction infused different stylistic elements, resulting in the palace's unique architectural synthesis. The palace housed not only the Rector's office and private chambers but also state offices, a dungeon, an armory, and public halls. Today, the Rector's Palace functions as a museum, inviting visitors to step back in time and explore Dubrovnik's history. The interior is adorned with styled furniture and decorative objects, recreating the atmosphere of the Republic's final period. The museum also showcases a collection of coins, weapons, and a historic pharmacy, along with paintings by local and Italian masters. A monument to Miho Pracat, a generous benefactor of Dubrovnik, stands in the atrium, a testament to the Republic's appreciation for its citizens.

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