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Rector's Palace

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Rector's Palace in Dubrovnik served for centuries as the administrative and political heart of the Republic of Ragusa. The building harmoniously blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles, a result of multiple reconstructions following gunpowder explosions and devastating earthquakes. Originally conceived in the 13th century as a fortress, the palace attained its magnificent current form in the 15th century under the guidance of master builders such as Onofrio della Cava and Michelozzo di Bartolomeo. It functioned as the official residence of the Rector, who was elected for a term of just one month to prevent any concentration of power. The interior housed the state chancellery, a courtroom, the archives, and even a dungeon. Particularly striking is the arcaded courtyard with its delicate stonework, which is now a favored venue for concerts due to its superb acoustics. Since 1872, the palace has been home to the Cultural-Historical Department of the Dubrovnik Museum, showcasing valuable furniture, portraits, and historical artifacts of the Republic.

Location: Croatia
Top sights: Cultural-Historical Museum · Knežev dvor · St Blaise's Church
Nearby: Čajkovica (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	9	10	12	14	18	23	25	26	22	18	15	11
Rain mm	143	142	123	91	75	58	35	38	103	123	161	159

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Rector's Palace in Dubrovnik is a museum that can be visited for an admission fee, showcasing the cultural history of the Republic of Ragusa. The building itself is a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, to be admired inside and out.

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Typical hours

The museum is typically open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, but hours may vary by season. It is recommended to check the exact times on the official website before your visit.

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Photography

Photography inside the palace is allowed without flash; tripods are not permitted to protect the artworks. Exterior photos of the facade and inner courtyard are possible at any time and are worthwhile.

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Time needed

Allow about one hour to visit the museum and see the exhibition rooms. If you also explore the inner courtyard and surrounding corridors, you can budget up to an hour and a half.

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Combine with

The Rector's Palace is in Dubrovnik's old town, so it pairs well with the city walls and the main Stradun square. Dubrovnik Cathedral and Sponza Palace are also just a few steps away.

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Getting there

The Rector's Palace is in the pedestrian zone of the old town, so it is only accessible on foot. The nearest bus stop is 'Pile', from where you enter the old town through the Pile Gate and walk about five minutes to the palace.

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Insider tip

Purchase a Dubrovnik Pass, which includes entry to several attractions including the Rector's Palace. Visit the museum in the late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds of visitors.

Geography

Coordinates

42.64050, 18.11050

Facts

The current palace was rebuilt after a major explosion in 1435
The Rector was forbidden to leave the palace during his term
The column capitals feature intricate scenes from mythology and law
A bronze bust of Miho Pracat from 1638 stands in the courtyard
The building partially survived the catastrophic earthquake of 1667
The Republic's archives kept here are part of UNESCO's Memory of the World

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Dubrovnik Cathedral<1 km · SExplore →

Lokrum2 km · SEExplore →

Dubrovnik2 km · NWExplore →

📍Prijevor3 km · NExplore →

📍Sustjepan4 km · NExplore →

📍Knežica4 km · NEExplore →

📍Gornji Brgat4 km · EExplore →

📍Lozica5 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Rector's Palace (10)

Cultural-Historical Museum🏛 museum

A museum in Dubrovnik. It presents the cultural history of the city from antiquity to modern times.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-18:00💶

Knežev dvor

A building in Croatia. The former rector's palace now houses a museum.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-18:00

St Blaise's Church

A Croatian church. The baroque building is dedicated to the patron saint of Dubrovnik.

Kazalište Marina Držića

A theatre in Dubrovnik, Croatia. It is named after the playwright Marin Držić.

🌐 kmd.hr

Gradski zvonik🗼 tower

A tower in Dubrovnik. The bell tower stands at the end of the Stradun.

Dulcic Masle Pulitika Gallery🏛 museum

A museum in Dubrovnik. It displays modern and contemporary art.

Assumption Cathedral

A cathedral in Dubrovnik. The baroque building was built in the 18th century.

Sponza palace🏛 museum

A museum in Dubrovnik. The Gothic-Renaissance palace houses the state archives.

Biskupska palača🏰 castle

A castle in Dubrovnik. It serves as the bishop's seat.

Game of Thrones shame street

An attraction in Dubrovnik. The street was used as a filming location for the series Game of Thrones.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What was the function of the Rector's Palace?

It was the seat of the Rector and the government of the Republic of Ragusa.

What can you see in the palace today?

The Cultural History Museum with furniture, weapons, and artworks.

Are concerts held in the atrium?

Yes, the atrium has excellent acoustics and is used for classical concerts.

When is the palace open?

In season, usually daily from 9 AM to 6 PM or 8 PM.

Is the palace wheelchair accessible?

Only the ground floor is easily accessible; upper floors have stairs.

Rector's Palace: where is it located?

Rector's Palace is located in Croatia.

Rector's Palace: what is there to see?

Highlights include Cultural-Historical Museum, Knežev dvor, St Blaise's Church.

Rector's Palace: when is the best time to visit?