Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On the mezzanine level (stairs near the main entrance, above the prison—notice the
“hand”rails),you'llfindadecentdisplayoffurniture,awimpygunexhibit,votiveofferings
(mostly silver), a ho-hum coin collection, and an interesting painting of “Ragusa” in the
early 17th century—back when its stout walls were surrounded by a moat.
Headbackdowntothecourtyardandascendthegrandstairwaytotheupperfloor(using
the staircase across from mezzanine stairs, near the Pracat statue—with more “hand” rails).
Upstairs, you'll explore old apartments that serve as a painting gallery. The only vaguely
authentic room is the red room in the corner, decorated more or less as it was in 1500, when
it was the rector's office. Mihajlo Hamzi
ć
's exquisite
Baptism of Christ
painting, inspired
by Italian painter Andrea Mantegna, is an early Renaissance work from the “Dubrovnik
School” (see “Dominican Monastery Museum” listing, later). This area also often displays
temporary exhibits.
Back in the courtyard, you can go up the smaller stairs to the Domus Christi collection
of old pharmacist tools and pots.
Handy WCs are just off the courtyard next to the shop, through which you'll exit.
Nearby:
Just to the left as you face the entrance of the Rector's Palace, notice the statue
of Dubrovnik poet
Marin Drži
ć
(1508-1567). This beloved bard's most famous work con-
cerns “Uncle Maro,” an aristocrat who's as stingy as he is wealthy. His son cleans out his
savings account and goes on a bender in Rome...until his father gets wind of it and comes
calling. The shiny lap and bright nose of this statue, erected in 2008, might lead you to be-
lieveit'sgoodlucktorubhisschnozz—and,sureenough,you'llseeasteadystreamoftour-
ists doing just that. But the truth is that when the statue went up, local kids were drawn to
his prominent proboscis, and couldn't resist climbing up on his lap and grabbing it. Tourists
saw the shine and assumed they were supposed to do it, too. A legend was born.
