Дубровник, Хрватска
The Sponca Palace is one of the most beautiful in Dubrovnik, which has preserved its original appearance from the Middle Ages. The chief architect of the building is Pascoje Milicevic. The "Spontza" palace was built in 1516-1522 in the Gothic-Renaissance style. It got its name from the place where the rainwater was collected (sponza), so the palace was built on it. The large rectangular building hides a peaceful courtyard at its heart. The ornaments on the porch and the facade of the palace were made by the Andrić brothers, craftsmen from Korčula.
The first idea was for the building to serve as a customs post for the Republic of Dubrovnik. During its long history, "Sponca" housed a number of government offices, such as the mint, the bank, the treasury and a place to store weapons. During a major earthquake in 1667, the palace was not affected.
Not only economic activity, but also cultural activity developed in the "Spontza" palace. A select society of poets and writers gathered in the large hall on the first floor.
