Rector’s Palace (Knežev dvor) is Dubrovnik’s former seat of government and today home to the Cultural History Museum—a richly curated window into the Republic of Ragusa’s political, social, and everyday life. Expect grand Gothic–Renaissance arcades, a beautiful Baroque staircase, a serene stone atrium with superb acoustics, and rooms staged with original furniture, portraits, weapons, coins, and period objects. Typical visit time is 60–90 minutes, and the site pairs perfectly with the Cathedral, Sponza Palace, and the City Walls right nearby.
Top Tickets & Tours
- Rector’s Palace (Cultural History Museum) – single ticket: Buy on-site (card-only) or online via Dubrovnik Museums’ official sales page. Best if you only want this site.
- Combined “10 Museums & Galleries” ticket (valid 7 days): Covers the Cultural History Museum (Rector’s Palace) plus the Maritime Museum, Ethnographic Museum, archaeological exhibitions at Revelin, House of Marin Držić, Museum of Modern Art and more—ideal if you’ll visit several museums over a few days.
- Dubrovnik Pass (1/3/7-day): Includes the City Walls and most city museums/galleries (including Rector’s Palace) plus public transport—usually the best value if you plan the Walls + 1–2 museums.
Quick pick:
Walls + Rector’s Palace + one more museum? → Dubrovnik Pass.
Only museums over several days? → Combined ticket.
Just the Palace? → Single ticket.
Rector’s Tickets & Passes
- Single ticket (Rector’s Palace / Cultural History Museum): Adult €15; students/children €8; family €35 (up to 2 adults + children ≤14). One-time entry. Purchase on-site (card payments only) or online.
- Combined ticket (10 museums & galleries): Adult €20; students €10; family €45. Valid 7 days from first use; one-time entry per site. Includes: Cultural History Museum (Rector’s Palace), Maritime Museum, Ethnographic Museum, archaeological exhibitions at Revelin, House of Marin Držić, Natural History Museum, Museum of Modern Art, Dulčić–Masle–Pulitika Gallery, Studio Pulitika, and the Museum of Homeland War.
- Dubrovnik Pass: Official city pass covering the City Walls, many museums/galleries (incl. Rector’s Palace) and local buses; good for skipping separate ticket lines and saving money when you do both Walls and museums. Buy online or in person.
- Group rates: From 10+ people, Rector’s Palace group tickets have reduced pricing (adults €10; students €8); arrange through the museums.
- Where to buy: On-site ticket desks of Dubrovnik Museums accept card payments only; e-tickets are available via their official portal.
Prices, Discounts & Free Entry Rules
- Rector’s Palace single ticket: €15 adult / €8 students & children / €35 family.
- Combined 10-museum ticket (7 days): €20 adult / €10 students / €45 family.
- Free/Reduced: Residents of Dubrovnik–Neretva County, children under 7, and members of ICOM/HMD enter free; local university students (RIT Croatia, University of Dubrovnik, Libertas) have free entry Oct–Jun. One-time entry per site applies.
- Dubrovnik Pass holders enter included museums (incl. Rector’s Palace) free for the pass duration.
Opening Hours & Seasonal Schedule
- Apr 1 – Oct 31 (summer): daily 09:00–18:00
- Nov 1 – Mar 31 (winter): 09:00–16:00, closed Mondays
- Closures: Christmas Day (Dec 25), New Year (Jan 1), Feast of St Blaise (Feb 3)
- Short hours 09:00–12:00 on Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve. Always check for special events that may affect access
Location, Entrances & Map
Address: Pred Dvorom 3 (between the Church of St Blaise and the Cathedral, steps from Luža Square and Sponza). Main entrance is under the arcaded portico facing the small square.
How to Reach
- On foot: The Old Town is pedestrian-only; from Pile Gate (west entrance) it’s a 6–8-minute flat walk along Stradun, then right at Luža Square.
- By bus: Most city buses converge at Pile. Useful lines include 1A/1B/3 (from Gruž bus/ferry terminals) and 6 (Babin Kuk/Lapad) to Pile; then walk inside the walls.
- Taxis/Uber: Drop-off is outside the gates (Pile or Ploče). There is no driving/parking inside the Old Town; use public garages outside the walls.
How Long to Spend & Ideal Visiting Route
Ideal time: 60–90 minutes.
Efficient route: Atrium → Baroque staircase and Miho Pracat statue → ground-floor courtroom & prison → upper-floor state rooms (Rector’s study/bedchamber) → collections (weapons, coins, furniture, portraits). If short on time (45 minutes), focus on the atrium, staircase, courtroom, and one upstairs suite.
Highlights & Must-See Rooms
- Atrium & Baroque staircase (post-1667): A photogenic centerpiece with excellent acoustics, used for concerts in summer.
- Statue of Miho Pracat (1638): The only commoner honored with a statue in the Republic era, set between the atrium columns.
- Courtroom, prison & armory: Evocative rooms that show how justice and defense worked in the Republic.
- Rector’s private rooms: Period furniture and portraits recreate elite daily life.
- Collections: numismatics of Ragusa, arms, pharmacy items, ceramics, glassware, and paintings from the 15th–19th centuries.
History & Architecture
The palace began as a Gothic structure; after a gunpowder blast (1463) and earthquakes (1520; 1667), it was rebuilt with elegant Renaissance and later Baroque elements, creating today’s harmonious blend. Onofrio della Cava, Michelozzo (plans partly rejected), and Salvi di Michele were among the key masters involved. The Baroque staircase and bell were later additions in the atrium.
Guided Tours & Audio Guide Options
- Free multimedia audio guide (official): Download the “Rector’s Palace in Dubrovnik” app (iOS/Android) for room-by-room narration; it’s produced by Dubrovnik Museums and aligns with the permanent exhibition.
- Guided walking tours: Many Old Town tours show the exterior/atrium but do not include interior admission unless specifically stated. If you want an in-depth museum visit with a guide, look for a tour labeled “Rector’s Palace” or “Dubrovnik Museums.” (Cross-check inclusions.)
Accessibility, Stairs & Facilities
- Building layout: Historic stone floors and staircases; upper floors require stairs. Sources indicate limited wheelchair access—ground floor is the most accessible; contact the museum in advance for current options and assistance.
- Old Town terrain: Expect cobbles and some slopes/steps en route.
- Facilities: Restrooms available; space is limited for strollers and large bags—pack light.
- Payments: Museum ticket desks are card-only (no cash).
- Contact (for assistance/updates): +385 20 321 497; Pred Dvorom 3.
Photography, Security & Visitor Rules
Photography policies can vary by room/exhibit. General norms in Dubrovnik museums: no flash, no tripods, and follow on-site signage and staff instructions; some areas may restrict photography entirely. Food/drink isn’t permitted inside exhibits. Bags may be inspected. When in doubt, ask at the entrance. (Policies are subject to change—check local signage.)
Best Time to Visit & Crowd Tips
- Timing: Come right at opening (09:00) or late afternoon for thinner crowds; rainy days draw more visitors to museums.
- Cruise days: Old Town is busiest when multiple ships are in port—check cruise calendars and plan the Palace for early/late slots on those days.
- Live crowd data: Dubrovnik Museums link to a current visitor numbers & crowd forecast tool—handy for timing your visit.
- Season: Peak crowding July–August; shoulder months (Apr–May, Sep–Oct) are more comfortable.
Events & Temporary Exhibitions
- Dubrovnik Summer Festival (Jul–Aug): The Palace atrium hosts atmospheric classical concerts—check the program for dates (e.g., the 2025 edition scheduled high-profile concerts in the atrium). Book early.
- Current/seasonal exhibitions at the Palace: For 2025–26, examples include The History of Dubrovnik Tramway 1910–1970 (Aug 27, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026). Always verify what’s on during your dates.
Combine with Nearby Sights
From the Palace it’s a few minutes on foot to the Cathedral & Treasury, Sponza Palace, Church of St Blaise, the Maritime Museum in Fort St John, and entrances to the City Walls—an easy loop before or after your visit.
Suggested Itineraries
- 1–2 hours: Rector’s Palace (60–90 min) → Cathedral (20–30 min) → Sponza/Luža Square photos (10–15 min).
- Half-day Old Town: Rector’s Palace → Cathedral → quick coffee at Gundulić Square → City Walls (90–120 min) → Maritime Museum (45–60 min).
