Orlando's Column, Dubrovnik

Orlando’s Column, standing proudly in front of Saint Blaise’s Church on Dubrovnik’s Luza Square, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Erected in 1418, the Gothic-style stone pillar depicts the legendary knight Roland, known across Europe for his courage and chivalry. For Dubrovnik, the figure symbolized independence and freedom, reflecting the Republic of Ragusa’s determination to remain sovereign amidst powerful neighbors. The column was not just a decorative monument but a civic emblem, a rallying point for the city’s ideals of justice and autonomy.

Beyond its symbolic meaning, Orlando’s Column played a practical role in everyday life. From its base, public proclamations were read aloud, and punishments were sometimes carried out, making it a central stage for the city’s civic life. The stone post also served as a “measuring stick”: the length of Roland’s arm-known as the Dubrovnik cubit-was used as a standard unit of trade measurement, ensuring fair exchange in the city’s bustling markets. In this way, the monument tied together themes of law, commerce, and community.

The column has endured centuries of change, surviving earthquakes, wars, and even shelling during the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s, when it was damaged but carefully restored. Today, it remains a proud witness to Dubrovnik’s history, admired not only as a medieval relic but also as a living symbol of resilience. Visitors to the Old Town will find it an unmissable stop, both for its historic importance and its role as a gathering point in one of the city’s most vibrant squares.