Crime And
Punishment

The Dark Side Of The Ancient Urban Society Of Dubrovnik

Human flaws have not changed for centuries, but the way the society treats them has definitely changed. In the past, punishment was much more “imaginative”, cruel, bloody and rigorous. This Dubrovnik history tour will show you that the medieval Dubrovnik wasn’t an exception. A wide variety of punishments existed in this city in the past.

Imagine: a pulled-out beard for a man who neglected a public duty; a heavy stones hanged over the shoulders of a women that spread gossips; a red-hot iron stamp on a forehead of an adulteress; a nose amputation for a servant who let an unwanted guest enter her master’s home,… That was the reality of life in Dubrovnik.

Moreover, the flogging, torture, hanging and beheading were common penalties in those days. Which crime deserved such punishment? Who were the criminals?

Discover the city from a completely different angle and find out how much the former ways of enforcing justice and law shaped the present-day city appearance.

Reliquary of the Cathedral, detail
Sponza Palace/porch detail

RECOMMENDATION / This tour can be extended with a walk on the city walls, cable car ride or visit to Lokrum Island.

“Amazing city, tour and guide. Vesna is very knowledgeable and comprehensive. We learned so much from her about Dubrovnik, its rich history, and people. She’s also very flexible and kind. This tour is worth every penny. We will definitely recommend it to our friends.”

Lemiel P, Tripadvisor Experience

“She has a great sense of humor and provided us with some valuable information in advance of and during our tour about getting around Dubrovnik, restaurants, and money saving tips we were able to use during our stay. Our time with her was a highlight of our trip. ”

Joe Selewicz, Facebook

“Excellent! Vesna is very knowledgeable and flexible. She will go beyond meeting the customer’s needs. My wife and I had two tours with her and we were totally satisfied. She is so kind. She exemplifies the perfect erudite tour guide.”
LP, Tripadvisor

DURATION / 2 hours (basic tour)

PRICE /  on request

MEETING POINT /  Pile gate (in front of the stone bridge that leads into the City Walls), or your preferred location. You will see a sign with your name on it.

START TIME /  on demand

LANGUAGE /  English

GROUP SIZE /  max. 8 people

Public Executions
To Make The Example

In those days every execution, regardless which punishment was performed, was public. Publicity was an important factor. On one hand, it was a message and warning for those who intended to commit a crime, and on the other, a proof that the justice was quick and efficient. Every existing way of punishment required a specific ceremony, and public was always an important part of it.

However, there were times when it was necessary to carry out executions away from the public eye. When and how they were performed in such situations?

You will discover answers to these questions and much more on our Dubrovnik history tour, walking through this city and its close surrounding.

The tour includes a visit to the Rector’s Palace, today the Cultural – Historical Museum, where you’ll inspect the last remaining dungeon, as well as walk through the prison cells of the former state prison.

Crime And Punishment Tour

DURATION / 2 hours (basic tour)

PRICE /  on request

MEETING POINT /  Pile gate (in front of the stone bridge that leads into the City Walls), or your preferred location. You will see a sign with your name on it.

START TIME /  on demand

LANGUAGE /  English

GROUP SIZE /  max. 8 people

RECOMMENDATION / This tour can be extended with a walk on the city walls, cable car ride or visit to Lokrum Island.

The Dark Side Of The Ancient Urban Society Of Dubrovnik

Human flaws have not changed for centuries, but the way the society treats them has definitely changed. In the past, punishment was much more “imaginative”, cruel, bloody and rigorous. This Dubrovnik history tour will show you that the medieval Dubrovnik wasn’t an exception. A wide variety of punishments existed in this city in the past.

Imagine: a pulled-out beard for a man who neglected a public duty; a heavy stones hanged over the shoulders of a women that spread gossips; a red-hot iron stamp on a forehead of an adulteress; a nose amputation for a servant who let an unwanted guest enter her master’s home,… That was the reality of life in Dubrovnik.

Moreover, the flogging, torture, hanging and beheading were common penalties in those days. Which crime deserved such punishment? Who were the criminals?

Discover the city from a completely different angle and find out how much the former ways of enforcing justice and law shaped the present-day city appearance.

Sponza Palace/porch detail

Public Executions To Make The Example

In those days every execution, regardless which punishment was performed, was public. Publicity was an important factor. On one hand, it was a message and warning for those who intended to commit a crime, and on the other, a proof that the justice was quick and efficient. Every existing way of punishment required a specific ceremony, and public was always an important part of it.

However, there were times when it was necessary to carry out executions away from the public eye. When and how they were performed in such situations?

You will discover answers to these questions and much more on our Dubrovnik history tour, walking through this city and its close surrounding.

The tour includes a visit to the Rector’s Palace, today the Cultural – Historical Museum, where you’ll inspect the last remaining dungeon, as well as walk through the prison cells of the former state prison.

“Amazing city, tour and guide. Vesna is very knowledgeable and comprehensive. We learned so much from her about Dubrovnik, its rich history, and people. She’s also very flexible and kind. This tour is worth every penny. We will definitely recommend it to our friends.”
Lemiel P, Tripadvisor Experience

“Excellent! Vesna is very knowledgeable and flexible. She will go beyond meeting the customer’s needs. My wife and I had two tours with her and we were totally satisfied. She is so kind. She exemplifies the perfect erudite tour guide.”
LP, Tripadvisor

“She has a great sense of humor and provided us with some valuable information in advance of and during our tour about getting around Dubrovnik, restaurants, and money saving tips we were able to use during our stay. Our time with her was a highlight of our trip. ”

Joe Selewicz, Facebook

Private Walking Tours

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