Orlando's Column

Unique stone column of an ancient knight Orlando. This important historical figure stands proudly in Dubrovnik for 600 years now, making a year 2019 Orlando’s year. Orlando’s Column was made by Bonino di Jacopo from Milan with the help of the local master Antun Raguseo. The idea to erect the Column was born in 1417, and its construction started two years later. At the knight’s feet, there was the standard for trading fabric the Ragusan cubit (‘lakat’) measuring 51.2 cm. Both the standard and its length correspond to the length of Orlando’s right forearm (the one in which he holds the sword).

Standing in front of the Church of St Blaise. The column with a statue of Orlando stands in the spot of what was once a marketplace. Interesting to note was the use of the right forearm as a ruler or measurement for the traditional Dubrovnik measure for trading fabric – a Ragusan cubit or lakat (elbow 51.2 cm ). A line at the base of the column is an easier way to make a measurement. This is a very popular photo stop. Try to take a picture late afternoon when there are fewer people in front of the church. It would be interesting to bring a tape measure and check the measurement at the base.

Awesome art.

Currently undergoing renovation. Not sure what the completion date will be.

⚠️ORLANDO, relief of BONIN from MILAN 👉🏻 Dubrovnik, 1418 Stiff face and hard-cut hair, and naturalistically detailed armor of a knight with a shield and a sword. Such statues, symbols of chivalry, were widespread in most northern European medieval cities🧩