Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik (must see)

Initially, the 13th-century Rector's Palace was built as living quarters for the Rector to stay in for the duration of his one-month term. During this time he was allowed to leave only for official functions. Spouses and family had to stay elsewhere. He was the daily keeper of the keys to the city gates.

In addition to being the Rector's residence pro tem, the palace also served as the headquarters of the Republic Major and Minor Councils, the main arsenal, and the city prison. There was access to the courtroom and the Great Council Palace. It was all business, no place for family.

Located just south of Luza Square, the palace, like the city, has been ravaged many times by wars, earthquakes, fires, and sieges. Its style is Gothic, with reconstructions involving Renaissance and Baroque influences. The palace got its current form, including the atrium and front portico, after the explosion of 1463.

The western facade entrance features a portico with carved columns and capitals. The loggia has marble benches for public seating. The interior atrium and courtyard have rows of Corinthian columns and a Baroque staircase leading to the mezzanine gallery.

Below the staircase is a small 15th-century fountain and a statue by sculptor Piero Paolo Giacometti erected in 1638. The statue honors Miho Pracat, a wealthy citizen who left his entire estate to the Republic. The atrium has splendid acoustics. It is frequently the venue for concerts held at the Dubrovnik Summer Festival.

Today, the Rector's Palace is home to the Museum of Dubrovnik. The exhibitions show artifacts from the city's history, furniture, portraits, seals, crests, and coins. The keys to the city gates are still here, together with archives of Republic Council meetings. The old pharmacy and its 15th-century House of Christ ("Domus Christi") artifacts are here.

The Rector's Palace is managed and operated by the Museum of Dubrovnik since 1872.