Orlando's Column

Orlando's Column stands in Luza Square at the eastern end of the Stradun in Dubrovnik, Croatia, in front of the Church of St Blaise and Sponza Palace. The stone column was carved in 1418 by the sculptor Bonino of Milan, assisted by local masters, and shows a standing knight in armour holding a sword and shield. The figure is Orlando, the Frankish knight known elsewhere as Roland, a symbol of civic freedom in many medieval Central European and Adriatic towns. Dubrovnik citizens traditionally associated him with the legend that Orlando helped the city against Saracen attackers in the 9th century. For the Republic of Ragusa, the column was the stage of public life. Decrees and verdicts were read from beside it, ambassadors were received, and the flag of the Republic, with the image of St Blaise, flew from the pole next to it. Public punishments were announced here, and the base was reputedly used for the pillory. The forearm of the knight was the official unit of length, the Ragusan ell, equal to about 51 cm, and merchants checked cloth against it, which is why the forearm is polished and carved with care. The column was damaged but survived the 1667 earthquake, and an earlier statue base underwent restoration after later wartime damage. Today it keeps its original civic role: at the start of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, the festival flag is raised on the column, and the square around it hosts outdoor events and concerts. It is open at all hours and needs no ticket. The column is a landmark for meeting friends in the old town and for orienting oneself on a first visit, with the bell tower of the clock to one side and the cathedral a short walk behind the Sponza Palace.