Ferry Vermeer
Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik, Croatia
The Rector's palace was the centre of government in the old Dubrovnik Republic. It was the home of the Rector who was elected by the Great council to represent the Republic for a month and during that time he wasn't allowed to leave the palace at anytime except on government business which completely fits into the Dubrovnik Republic principle clearly stated above the doors of the Great council hall: "Obliti privatorum, publica curate" which meant "Forget private and deal with public business".
Mainly built in gothic style this building, simple and harmonic, seems almost too modest for the once so wealthy Dubrovnik. And that is not at all surprising as it is consistent with Dubrovnik omnipresent unpretentious style of building with no exaggerated luxury. Upon entering The Rector's palace one gets the impression of the past centuries returning and holds breath as if seeing the Rector himself followed by the members of The Small council (executive government body).
The Rector's palace was built in mid 15th century by the famous Neapolitan architect Onofrio di Giordano de la Cava who also constructed the Dubrovnik's waterworks (water supply system) and the famous fountains, Big and Small Onofrio's fountains.
Later when the palace was damaged in 1463 by gunpowder explosion, it was partly reconstructed by Salvi di Michele and the local craftsman adding Renaissance elements. Resulting from damage in the Great earthquake in the year of 1667 the atrium was reconstructed to some extent in baroque style adding the final touch to the Rector's palace, the way we see it today.
Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik, Croatia
The Rector's palace was the centre of government in the old Dubrovnik Republic. It was the home of the Rector who was elected by the Great council to represent the Republic for a month and during that time he wasn't allowed to leave the palace at anytime except on government business which completely fits into the Dubrovnik Republic principle clearly stated above the doors of the Great council hall: "Obliti privatorum, publica curate" which meant "Forget private and deal with public business".
Mainly built in gothic style this building, simple and harmonic, seems almost too modest for the once so wealthy Dubrovnik. And that is not at all surprising as it is consistent with Dubrovnik omnipresent unpretentious style of building with no exaggerated luxury. Upon entering The Rector's palace one gets the impression of the past centuries returning and holds breath as if seeing the Rector himself followed by the members of The Small council (executive government body).
The Rector's palace was built in mid 15th century by the famous Neapolitan architect Onofrio di Giordano de la Cava who also constructed the Dubrovnik's waterworks (water supply system) and the famous fountains, Big and Small Onofrio's fountains.
Later when the palace was damaged in 1463 by gunpowder explosion, it was partly reconstructed by Salvi di Michele and the local craftsman adding Renaissance elements. Resulting from damage in the Great earthquake in the year of 1667 the atrium was reconstructed to some extent in baroque style adding the final touch to the Rector's palace, the way we see it today.