Gundulić Square and Historic Morning Market

Why is it significant?

Step into the lively open expanse of Gundulić Square (Gundulićeva poljana), framed by stately Baroque townhouses. Every morning from dawn until midday, this sun-drenched square transforms into Dubrovnik's principal open-air farmers market.

Key Facts

Open the walk

Step into the lively open expanse of Gundulić Square (Gundulićeva poljana), framed by stately Baroque townhouses. Every morning from dawn until midday, this sun-drenched square transforms into Dubrovnik's principal open-air farmers market. Farmers and market women from the fertile Konavle valley and Župa Dubrovačka arrange wooden stalls piled high with sun-ripened figs, lavender sachets, wild honey, homemade olive oil, and candied orange peel known as arancini.

In the center of the square stands a noble bronze monument erected in 1893, honoring Dubrovnik's greatest Baroque poet, Ivan Gundulić. Sculpted by celebrated Dalmatian master Ivan Rendić, the statue depicts the poet lost in contemplation, holding a quill and scroll. Bronze reliefs around the stone base illustrate epic scenes from his famous poem Osman, celebrating the struggle of southern Slavs for liberty.

At precisely twelve o'clock noon, an enchanting civic ritual takes place: as the bells of the Franciscan bell tower ring out, the market stalls close, and a municipal caretaker scatters grain across the stone flagstones. Hundreds of pigeons swoop down from the surrounding rooftops in a fluttering cloud of wings to feast, a charming tradition funded by the city budget for over a century. Surrounding the square, elegant stone facades feature Renaissance and Baroque balconies with wrought-iron railings draped in climbing ivy. In the afternoons, after the lively morning market vendors pack their wooden crates, quiet outdoor cafe tables take their place, offering travelers a serene setting to savor Dalmatian white wine, chilled lemonade, and almond pastries under the open sky.

Gundulić Square offers an authentic taste of everyday Dalmatian life that has survived modernization. The rich sensory tapestry of sweet citrus aromas, vibrant chatter in the local dialect, and warm limestone surfaces creates an atmosphere of timeless Mediterranean joy. Here, poetry, trade, and communal camaraderie unite beneath the southern sun.

Turn south toward the foot of the monumental Baroque staircase.