Sponza Palace

Luža Square is home to some of Dubrovnik’s most iconic landmarks - but there’s one that stands out above the rest... Sponza Palace. Its arched gallery is hard to miss, and it’s one of the few buildings that survived the devastating 1667 earthquake. Built between 1516 and 1522, this Venetian Gothic structure served as a customs house, a vast warehouse, and later the mint of the Republic of Ragusa. However, the palace’s administrative functions came to an end in the 19th century. Today, it hosts temporary exhibitions, concerts, cultural events, and also houses the city’s oldest archives. If its beautiful architecture has tempted you to venture inside, know that entry to the Palace isn’t free and requires a ticket! Right next to it, the clock tower also draws the eye, with its two bronze statues, nicknamed Maro and Baro, which have been striking the bell since the 15th century to mark the hours, a tradition that still continues today.