Monument to Ivan Gundulić

Gundulić Square, located in the heart of the Old Town of Dubrovnik, is one of the liveliest and most charming corners of the city. Named after the famous Croatian Baroque poet Ivan Gundulić, the square is a meeting point for both locals and tourists. Every morning, the square comes to life with an open-air market, where colorful stalls offer a variety of fresh products, local crafts, and souvenirs, creating a lively atmosphere of exchange and social interaction. Ivan Gundulić, born in Dubrovnik in 1589, is one of the greatest Croatian poets of the Baroque period. His most famous work, “Osman,” an epic poem celebrating Croatian victories against the Ottomans, is considered a masterpiece of Croatian literature. In the center of the square, a statue of Gundulić, created by the Croatian sculptor Ivan Rendić in 1893, dominates the scene, commemorating the poet’s importance to the city’s culture and history. The square itself is surrounded by historic buildings reflecting Dubrovnik’s typical architecture, with white stone facades and red tile roofs. Among these buildings stands the Sponza Palace, one of the city’s most representative buildings, which once served as a customs house and bank, and now houses the State Archives of Dubrovnik. Every morning, the square transforms into a lively open-air market, known for its fresh and local products. Here, vendors offer a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, honey, jams, herbs, and spices, as well as handmade souvenirs like lavender, artisanal soaps, and traditional embroideries. This market is not only a place to shop, but also a sensory experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the colors, scents, and flavors of Dalmatia. During the day, Gundulić Square becomes a meeting point for tourists and residents. The cafes and restaurants surrounding the square offer ideal spaces to relax and enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere. Sitting at an outdoor table, sipping a coffee or tasting a local specialty while watching life unfold in the square, is an experience that captures the essence of Dubrovnik. The square is also the starting point of the monumental Baroque staircase leading to the Church of St. Ignatius and the Collegium Ragusinum, a Jesuit college. Designed by the Roman architect Pietro Passalacqua in the 18th century, this staircase is often compared to the Spanish Steps in Rome for its elegance and grandeur. The staircase has also become famous thanks to the TV series “Game of Thrones,” where it was used as a set for some of the most iconic scenes. An interesting anecdote related to Gundulić Square concerns the statue of Ivan Gundulić. It is said that during World War II, the citizens of Dubrovnik hid the statue to protect it from damage. The statue was dismantled and hidden in a secret location, and only at the end of the war was it returned to its original place, a gesture symbolizing the importance of Gundulić’s figure for the city and its cultural heritage. Gundulić Square is also an ideal starting point for exploring the other wonders of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Located a short distance from the Pile Gate, the main entrance to the city, and the famous Stradun, the square offers easy access to numerous other historical and cultural sites, such as the Franciscan Monastery, the Rector’s Palace, and the city’s splendid walls.