Background

Sponza Palace: A Testament to Dubrovnik's Enduring Spirit

Explore Dubrovnik's Sponza Palace: A stunning blend of Gothic-Renaissance architecture, housing centuries of history and culture in its storied halls.

4.5
A question is required

The Sponza Palace, a stunning blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, stands as a symbol of Dubrovnik's rich history and resilience. Built in the early 16th century, it has served as a customs house, mint, treasury, and cultural hub, surviving earthquakes and wars to house the city's archives today.

A brief summary to Sponza Palace

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Take your time to admire the intricate stone carvings and architectural details in the atrium and along the façade.
  • Don't miss the Memorial Room of the Defenders of Dubrovnik, a moving tribute to the city's more recent history.
  • Check for special events or performances taking place in the palace courtyard, especially during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    Sponza Palace is located in the heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From Pile Gate, the main entrance to the Old Town, walk along Stradun (Placa), the main street. Sponza Palace will be on your left, near the end of Stradun, close to the Bell Tower and Orlando's Column. There are no costs associated with this final approach.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus from other parts of Dubrovnik, disembark at Pile Gate. From there, follow the walking directions along Stradun to reach Sponza Palace. A single bus fare within Dubrovnik typically costs around €2. Alternatively, from the Dubrovnik Port, you can take the bus line 10 to the Dubrovnik Cable Car Station, the bus ride will cost approximately €1 - €3.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Dubrovnik. A taxi ride from Dubrovnik Airport to Sponza Palace will cost approximately €35-€50 and take around 22 minutes. A short taxi ride within the city, for example, from the port to the Old Town, will cost around €11-€14. Note that vehicles are not permitted within the Old Town itself, so you will be dropped off near one of the entrances, such as Pile Gate, from where it is a short walk to the Palace.

Unlock the Best of Sponza Palace

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Sponza Palace

Nestled in the heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town, the Sponza Palace is a remarkable architectural marvel that embodies the city's vibrant past. Constructed between 1516 and 1522 by Paskoje Miličević and the Andrijić brothers, the palace showcases a harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its elegant arches, intricate stone carvings, and stunning atrium create a captivating atmosphere for visitors. Originally designed as a customs house and warehouse, the Sponza Palace quickly evolved into a multifaceted center of commerce, culture, and governance. It has served as a mint, armory, treasury, bank, and even a school. The palace's atrium was a bustling meeting place for merchants, while the first floor hosted gatherings of the Academia dei Concordi, Dubrovnik's first literary institution. The inscription over an arch in the atrium, “Our weights do not permit cheating. When I measure goods, God measures with me”, reflects the palace's historical commercial function. Despite surviving the devastating earthquake of 1667, the Sponza Palace stands as one of the few buildings in the Old Town to retain its original form. Today, it houses the Dubrovnik State Archives, preserving centuries of invaluable historical documents. The palace also contains the Memorial Room of the Defenders of Dubrovnik, a poignant tribute to those who lost their lives during the Croatian War of Independence in the early 1990s. The Sponza Palace continues to host numerous theater performances as part of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival.

Popular Experiences near Sponza Palace

Popular Hotels near Sponza Palace

Select Currency