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Rector’s Palace – Historical Museum

Why should one visit the Rector’s Palace with the historical museum? What secrets does it hide?

The Rector’s Palace is a historical museum nowadays. Above all, it is interesting because of many functions in the past. Firstly, it was the seat of the government of the small Dubrovnik Republic. The ones who had the power in their hands were the noble families. Better to say, their male members. The government consisted of three councils whose members discussed and decided on many important issues. Interestingly, the rector was just the government in person, nothing else.

Secondly, the state administration was in the palace. If somebody needed to sign a contract before the notary, one came there. In the so-called Turkish office, the clerks were deposing the letters and documents sent or received from the Ottoman Empire.

Finally, it was the Palace of Justice. On the ground floor, there were the prison cells and the courtroom. The judges were noblemen as well. But how was the life of the prisoners? Were there any escapes? You will find the answers if you visit the palace with a local guide.

The Historical Museum inside the Rector’s Palace

Some of the rooms inside the Rector’s palace have conserved a part of their original look. Nevertheless, in the 19th century, after the fall of the Dubrovnik Republic, the new owners took away a lot of the inventory. As it was never returned, some rooms have different historical collections today. Thanks to them, we can imagine the life of the locals in the past.

Some things you need to keep in mind if you decide to visit the Rector’s Palace in Dubrovnik:

  • The entrance fee is 130 kunas per person (adults);  children (age 7 to 18) – 20 kunas; children under 7 years – free
  • With the same ticket, you can visit also: Maritime Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Archaeological exhibitions, House of Marin Držić, Dubrovnik Natural History Museum, Gallery Dulčić Masle Pulitika, Museum of Modern Art
  • The ticket is valid for 7 days.
  • You cannot come back to the same museum several times, only once with the same ticket.
  • To visit the upper floor, you need to climb the stairs. There is no elevator.
  • Inside the museum, it is mandatory to wear a face mask.

From the Rector’s Palace


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