Sponza Palace

Sponza Palace, situated in the heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town, is a splendid example of the city's rich architectural heritage. This remarkable 16th-century palace beautifully blends Gothic and Renaissance styles, making it a standout attraction for anyone exploring the historic city. The palace's exterior features elegant stone carvings and intricate details that reflect the craftsmanship of its era. The interior courtyard is particularly enchanting, offering a tranquil space adorned with graceful arches and columns. It's easy to imagine the bustling activity that once took place here when the palace served as a customs house and meeting place for merchants. Today, Sponza Palace houses the Dubrovnik State Archives, which contains a valuable collection of historical documents. Visitors are often captivated by the building's well-preserved architecture and the rich history it represents. While the palace itself is a visual delight, the exhibits inside may be more appealing to history buffs and those interested in archival materials. For the casual visitor, the main attraction is often the palace's architectural beauty and the ambiance of its courtyard. Overall, Sponza Palace is a must-visit for those who appreciate historical architecture and want to delve deeper into Dubrovnik's past. Its central location makes it an easy addition to any itinerary exploring the Old Town.

Apart from the central courtyard (filled with an art gallery), the entrance, and the hall in memory of Dubrovnik's resistance during the war in Yugoslavia, I did not see an indication to visit the palace. Currently, the façade is in restoration so not a great possibility of a beautiful photo in the evening.

Reviews give an overinflated impression of the building.€5 entry (not in Dubrovnik Pass) Courtyard the only significant part of palace that can be seen but is covered in art displays. Historical photos of old Dubrovnik in some rooms and dedication to fallen soldiers in another. No sense of the architecture and history of the building can be gained. Save your money- don’t bother. Just take a photo of outside.

The Sponza Palace is a stunning architectural gem that shouldn't be missed. Its Gothic and Renaissance blend creates a visually captivating exterior, while the interior houses a poignant memorial to the city's defenders. Documents from the State Archives are marvelous, and many fascinating exhibits offer glimpses into Dubrovnik's past. Take a moment to appreciate the intricate details of this iconic building and pay respects to those who sacrificed for their city.

Entry comes with the Dubrovnik pass, and there is a lot on display. This is not the most plush palace we have seen, but the content is very well presented and informative. Also, it can take a bit of time to go around if you read everything. The most interesting section I found was near the end, photographs of Dubrovnik during the war. They are displayed in a tunnel (like a bomb shelter) and capture the level of destruction that was inflicted. Also, these pictures bring added realism, considering that war is still evident in the world today. The palace is worth a visit.

Sponza Palace in Dubrovnik is a stunning 16th-century Gothic-Renaissance building that’s beautifully preserved and rich in history. Once a customs house, it now houses the city archives, safeguarding centuries-old documents. Its elegant architecture, with arches and intricate details, makes it a favorite for photographers. Located in the Old Town, it’s also a venue for exhibitions and Dubrovnik’s Summer Festival. The palace’s historical and architectural charm make it a must-see for visitors.

35€ just to walk up the stairs is a rip off. Other than that, absolutely stunning place. We went with a guide so we were only in Dubrovnik for a few hours. We went to the aquarium which was nice and very little crowded. The prices were OK as well. But we wish we'd have enough time to go to the fort as well. Entry there was 15€.

Disappointing. Only the ground floor can be visited and there is not much to see there. Only two small photo exhibitions, one dedicated to local heroes from the war with Serbia and one with photos of old Dubrovnik. In 20 minutes you saw everything.