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

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Explore Dubrovnik's Rector's Palace: A blend of Gothic, Renaissance & Baroque architecture, showcasing the city's rich history & culture.

The Rector's Palace in Dubrovnik is a stunning blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Serving as the seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa for over 500 years, it offers a glimpse into the city's rich past and administrative history. Today, it functions as a museum showcasing period furniture, historical artifacts, and art.

A brief summary to Rector's Palace

  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Rector's Palace.

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
  • Check the official website for current opening hours and special events, especially during holidays.
  • Consider purchasing a Dubrovnik Pass for access to multiple attractions, including the Rector's Palace, and free public transportation.
  • Take your time to explore the museum's collections, including furniture, art, and historical documents, to fully appreciate Dubrovnik's history.
  • Attend a classical music concert in the palace's courtyard for a memorable cultural experience.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Rector's Palace is located in the heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town, nestled between Saint Blaise's Church and the Cathedral on Pred Dvorom Street. From Pile Gate, walk along Stradun (the main street) towards the bell tower. Turn right and continue towards the Cathedral; the entrance to the Rector's Palace will be on your left. As the Old Town is a pedestrian-only zone, walking is the most convenient way to reach the palace.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus to Pile Gate (the main entrance to the Old Town), follow the walking directions above. Buses are frequent and connect to various parts of Dubrovnik. A one-hour ticket costs €1.73 if purchased at a newsstand or Libertas kiosk, or €1.99 if purchased on the bus. A 24-hour ticket costs €5.31. The Dubrovnik Pass includes free city bus rides.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available in Dubrovnik. However, taxis cannot enter the Old Town. The closest drop-off points are at Pile Gate or Ploče Gate. From there, follow the walking directions. A taxi from Pile Gate to Lapad costs approximately 80 HRK (10 EUR). Taxi fares start at 8.30 HRK per km. Be sure the taximeter is running to avoid scams.

Discover more about Rector's Palace

The Rector's Palace, or Knežev Dvor, stands as a remarkable monument in Dubrovnik, embodying a captivating blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. Originally built in the 13th century as a defensive structure, it evolved into the administrative center and residence of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa from the 14th century until 1808. The Rector, elected for a one-month term, was required to reside within the palace during their mandate.Throughout its history, the palace faced numerous disasters, including fires, gunpowder explosions, and earthquakes, leading to constant reconstructions and additions. The palace's initial reconstruction in the late Gothic style was undertaken by Onofrio della Cava of Naples after a fire in 1435. Subsequent damage from a gunpowder explosion in 1463 led to further renovations, incorporating Renaissance elements. The earthquake of 1667 prompted Baroque-style additions, including a staircase and a bell in the atrium.Today, the Rector's Palace serves as a museum, housing the Cultural-Historical Department of the Dubrovnik Museum. Visitors can explore exhibition halls displaying original furniture, artifacts, and paintings that evoke the atmosphere of the Ragusan Republic. The palace also features a monument to Miho Pracat, a wealthy shipowner who bequeathed his fortune to Dubrovnik, making him the only commoner to receive such an honor from the Republic. The palace's courtyard often hosts classical music concerts, adding to its cultural significance.

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