The Dubrovnik Synagogue is amazing for several different reasons. It is the oldest Sephardi style synagogue that continues to function. It may also be one of the smallest synagogues, in terms of physical size, and is among the oldest in Europe. The building itself has undergone several repairs and refurbishing over the centuries, but with loving care and attention it still remains.

The synagogue was originally built around 1350 and sustained serious damage during an earthquake in 1667. Wars have also taken a toll with significant damage again in WWII, and most recently, during the siege of Dubrovnik in the early 1990s. A few modifications have been made along the way, such as adding a woman’s room, but generally the three story building has not changed much.

The ground floor houses a museum that recounts the history of Jews in Dubrovnik. The synagogue is up a narrow set of stairs on the second floor. It has a distinct Baroque feel. The Ark contains several Torah, one that may have come with the original congregants as they fled Spain in the mid to late 1400s.

There is a nominal fee to enter the museum and synagogue, and it is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 1 pm.

The Sponza Palace was built in the 16th century in a Gothic-Renaissance style. This building has played an important part in the day to day business in Dubrovnik over the centuries. Money used to be minted here and the whole area was crucial to commerce in the past.

In fact, there are still reminders of the bonded warehouse that was once here. One is a sign that says in essence the weights are true and accurate, because the Lord watches those who do the weighing to ensure there is no cheating. There are also the names of saints inscribed on the arches of the warehouses.

Today, the palace is used to house a memorial to the Dubrovnik Defenders who died protecting the city in the early 1990s. In addition, an archive is also housed here that details the city’s history. The memorial is free to visit; the archive is also free but can only be seen by appointment.

Also, this area hosts the opening ceremonies of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival each year. The actors and performers that are going to be part of the theater and music events are presented to the “dignitaries” of the city (also actors). They are required to perform and entertain the group as an audition of sorts. In the end, the performers are deemed worthy of performing at the festival and allowed to enter the city. As in days of old, the Palace is still the center of the city activities.

Luža Square has been the hub around which Dubrovnik has revolved for many centuries.
The buildings surrounding this busy square have stood for hundreds of years and the square has been a gathering place for the residents just as long. Today this wonderful medieval square is home to cafes, a bell tower and Orlando’s column. It is a spectacular place to watch people and take in a nice afternoon.

The history of the square also has a serious side. This is where the sovereignty of this nation was proclaimed. It is also the place where trials were held, judgments pronounced and punishment executed. It is easy to get lost in time with the Gothic-Renaissance buildings and the paved square; it must have looked almost the same in the 14th century.

The Square also is a venue for the opening ceremony of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, the Feast of St. Blaise and many other events. This city center is still gathering people just as it was designed to do over seven centuries ago.

There have been many moments across the history of Croatia where the people have had to fight for their independence. Most of the time, they have stayed an independent nation. Orlando’s Column celebrates the first of those struggles for freedom. In 972, the people of the city fought and won against the Venetians. There was also a flag for St. Blasius added to the area in 1419. The words “libertas” are inscribed on it.

The column is set in the geographical and psychological center of Dubrovnik, where it still represents the patriotic pride of the locals till this very day. The statue depicts a brave knight that is dressed and ready for battle at any moment. The knight used as the model is Sir Roland. The name “Orlando” comes about from the Italian derivative for the same name. The famous character is well known in the stories and local poetry of the people. There are several local folk songs written and sung about the famous hero of the city also.

One little bit of trivia about the status in the column: the distance between the statue’s right elbow and right fingertips is used as an official unit of measure in the city. This distance is called an “ell.”

The city has been very blessed with some fine examples of ornate fountains. The Little Onofrio fountain is one such example. It is actually the second of two such structures built in Dubrovnik. It is also the smaller of the two, so that is how it has received its nickname.

The famous Italian artist and sculptor Onofrio della Cava designed this grand example of Italian Renaissance art. If you take a moment to stop and observe them, make note of the precise images of the dolphins that adorn it. The project was finished by the famous artist in 1438.

The water fountain is tied into the local city water system, and was actually commissioned to celebrate the completion of the waterline through town. Sadly, the fountain received rather significant damage during the war in 1991, but the fountain has been tediously redone to look as good as new.

The Rector’s Palace is a historical museum that depicts what the building was like in the 15th Century, when the location was the home and governing seat for power in Dubrovnik. The displays are set up to try to actually display what the old building might have been like when the Rector and the City Council used to meet there.

For a palace, though, it is very modest. Opulence has never been something that the rich of the area believed in. When you view the location, you may be surprised at how simple the design is. There is no luxury to be found.

The location was also built by Onofrio, just like the fountains that are located in the town. The Palace was damaged extensively in the late 1400s. During the reconstruction, some more classic Italian Renaissance style elements found their way into the architecture. There was also an earthquake that damaged the building in the 1600s. At that time, the atrium was rebuilt, and some Baroque style elements were added.

There are great old historical collections of metalwork, paintings, and textiles from the period here. You can also find the works of artists like Tintoretto and Bordone displayed inside. The museum is open Monday through Saturday in the winter, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. In the summer, they are open 7 days a week at the same time, and then again from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 pm.