Sponza Palace

Westwards from the Bell Tower stands the exquisite Customs Palace Divona, called Sponza, built in Dubrovnik's specific Gothic-Renaissance style. The palace, that also served as the mint and arsenal, was constructed in the 16th century according to the design of Paskoje Miličević. Built in a rectangular shape, it has a shady portico and atrium. The stone-mason's works were mainly performed by the Andrijić Brothers. The doors in the atrium and the first-floor portico lead to the storages.

The following inscription can be read on the main wall: FALLERE NOSTRAVETANT; ET FALL PONDERE: MEQVE PONDERO CVM MERCES PONDERAT IPSE DEUS (We are forbidden to cheat or falsify measures, and when I weigh goods, God himself is weighing them with me). This palace was the liveliest commercial centre of the City, and in the 17th century it became the meeting place of members of the Academy of the Learned, who used to discuss literature, arts and science. Today the Sponza Palace houses the Dubrovnik Archives, considered to be among the richest in Europe.