Sponza Palace

Sponza Palace
Sponza Palace
Sponza Palace showing a square or plaza, café lifestyle and heritage architecture
Sponza Palace
Sponza Palace


Admire the architecture of this stunning 16th-century building and visit its poignant memorial of the Croatian War of Independence.

Sponza Palace is a beautiful mixture of gothic and renaissance architectural styles, and one of only a few buildings to survive the Great Earthquake of 1667. Originally developed as a customs house, the 16th-century edifice has also acted as a mint, state treasury and a bank. Today, it is home to a memorial dedicated to the Croatian War of Independence, as well as serving as a venue for exhibitions and events.

Take the time to appreciate the building’s main façade with its statue of the city’s patron saint set in an alcove. Read the inscription above the main arch of the portico, a remnant of the palace’s original function. The words translate as: “When I measure the goods, the Lord measures with me”. Observe the contrasting styles between the late-gothic windows of the second floor and the renaissance-style windows found on the floor above.

Tour the internal courtyard and wander between its many arches. See the sculpture high up on the back wall of two angels carrying a medal inscribed with the monogram of Jesus.

Sponza Palace houses the state archives, a collection of manuscripts covering more than 1,000 years. Although the archives are not open to the public, peruse photocopies of some of the most valuable documents. They are displayed in rooms branching off the courtyard.

Visit the Memorial Room of the Dubrovnik Defenders, an exhibition space which commemorates the Croatian War of Independence. The exhibit includes portraits of more than 300 defenders and civilians who lost their lives during the siege.

Be sure to see if there are any special events taking place in the palace courtyard. With its excellent acoustics and elegant architecture, this area frequently hosts concerts, theatrical performances and art exhibitions.

Sponza Palace is open daily and admission is free. The palace is located in Luza Square at the end of the Stradun, the old town’s main street.

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Sunny Palace Apartments
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Palace

Tours & day trips

See all 274 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 84 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 56 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 23 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 5 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Hotel Excelsior

Hotel Excelsior

5 out of 5
Frana Supila 12, Dubrovnik
Hotel Excelsior
Hostel Angelina Old town Dubrovnik

Hostel Angelina Old town Dubrovnik

2 out of 5
Buniceva Poljana 2, Dubrovnik
Hostel Angelina Old town Dubrovnik
Rixos Premium Dubrovnik

Rixos Premium Dubrovnik

5 out of 5
Liechtensteinov Put 3, Dubrovnik
Rixos Premium Dubrovnik
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik

Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik

5 out of 5
Marijana Blažica 2, Dubrovnik
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
Hamlet Bed & Breakfast

Hamlet Bed & Breakfast

3.5 out of 5
Palmoticeva 3, Dubrovnik
Hamlet Bed & Breakfast
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik

Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik

5 out of 5
Pera Cingrije 7, Dubrovnik
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik
The Pucic Palace

The Pucic Palace

5 out of 5
Od Puca 1, Dubrovnik
The Pucic Palace
Prijeko Palace

Prijeko Palace

4 out of 5
Prijeko 22, Dubrovnik
Prijeko Palace
Scalini Palace

Scalini Palace

4 out of 5
3 Boškoviceva ul., Dubrovnik, Dubrovacko-neretvanska županija
Scalini Palace
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sponza Palace

Near Sponza Palace, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including boating and sailing. For a more immersive experience, consider booking custom private tours or day trips that highlight the rich cultural events in the area. Engage with the local heritage by exploring guided tours that showcase the history and architecture of Dubrovnik, ensuring a memorable visit to this iconic landmark.

Shopping

Start your shopping experience at Dubrovnik Shopping Minčeta and Mercante, both just 1.6km from Sponza Palace, offering a mix of entertainment and family vibes. For a more local feel, visit Gruz Open Market, located 3.2km away, showcasing a lively atmosphere and fresh produce.

Recreation

Gradac Park is a tranquil haven located 644m from Sponza Palace, offering wellness and relaxation vibes. Enjoy leisurely strolls through lush greenery, unwind in peaceful surroundings, and partake in yoga or meditation sessions to rejuvenate your spirit amidst the natural beauty of Dubrovnik.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views from the Dubrovnik Cable Car, located 322m from Sponza Palace. This thrilling gondola ride offers a unique perspective of the city’s stunning architecture and picturesque landscapes, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Marin Držić Theatre, just a stone's throw from Sponza Palace. Enjoy captivating performances in a romantic setting that caters to culture enthusiasts and families alike, ensuring an unforgettable evening filled with entertainment and charm.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Sponza Palace

Within and around Sponza Palace, visitors can explore a variety of popular attractions, including the picturesque harbour, impressive churches, and grand cathedrals. These points of interest cater to travellers seeking a rich cultural experience, vibrant city life, and unique business opportunities, making it an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Dubrovnik's history and charm.

  • Old Town Harbor: Located a mere 161m from Sponza Palace, Old Town Harbor offers stunning beach views and a picturesque setting. It's the perfect spot to relax and soak in the scenic vibes, with charming boats bobbing on the water and the historic backdrop of Dubrovnik.
  • Dubrovnik Cathedral: Also just 161m away, Dubrovnik Cathedral is a magnificent example of baroque architecture, enriching your visit with its cultural significance. Inside, admire the stunning artwork and serene atmosphere that reflect the city's rich religious history.
  • Stradun: This vibrant street, located 161m from Sponza Palace, is the heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town. With its lively atmosphere, shops, and cafes, Stradun is ideal for a leisurely stroll, immersing you in the city's urban charm.

Best time to go to Sponza Palace

The best time to visit Sponza Palace can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Sponza Palace falls in August, when visitor numbers are high and weather is sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Sponza Palace falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January46.6°F (8.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowModerately Low
February48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowModerately Low
March51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately Low
April57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
July77.4°F (25.2°C)No RainSunnyHighModerately High
August78.3°F (25.7°C)Light RainSunnyHighModerately High
September71.4°F (21.9°C)Light RainSunnyHighModerately High
October63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November57.6°F (14.2°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sponza Palace

To save money during your visit to Sponza Palace, consider travelling in the off-peak months from January to March when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates, particularly on Tuesdays, which tend to be cheaper than Fridays. Utilise Expedia's tools to find exclusive discounts, last-minute deals, and eco-friendly options. Additionally, explore free activities around the palace and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package for further savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Sponza Palace is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Sponza Palace are January to March, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Sponza Palace about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sponza Palace is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Sponza Palace is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Make use of Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your Sponza Palace hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia