Unmasking Dubrovnik's Secrets: The Hidden World of Maskerons Masquerade of the Maskerons
In Dubrovnik's Old City, history and architecture blend seamlessly, with every stone and arch revealing a tale of ancient times. While visitors marvel at the grandeur of fortresses and palaces, some of the most fascinating relics lie quietly within reach, hidden from the hurried eye. They’re the "maskerons"—whimsical, often mysterious stone faces that once served as watchful guardians, lurking on the walls, fountains, and rooftops. These carved visages add a touch of the fantastic to Dubrovnik’s Old City, but only to those willing to slow down, look closely, and see beyond the obvious.
What are Maskerons?
A maskeron, or "mascherone" as the Italians say, is a decorative feature sculpted in the form of a
face—sometimes human, sometimes animal, and often a blend of the two. Originating in ancient architecture as the mythical Gorgons and later flourishing during the Italian Renaissance, these mask-like faces traveled from Italy to France and beyond. By the 17th century, they’d found a permanent place in architectural styles throughout Europe. Originally, these enigmatic figures served a dual purpose: they were meant to scare away evil spirits while draining rainwater from rooftops and facades. The maskeron was, therefore, both a charm for good luck and a practical rainwater spout.
Dubrovnik’s architecture embraced this unique tradition, carving out some of the most expressive and strange maskerons to grace the city’s walls. Over time, many have disappeared due to restoration and changing architectural trends, but the ones that remain hold centuries of stories, waiting to be rediscovered.
The Legendary Maskeron of the Franciscan Monastery
Among Dubrovnik’s most famous maskerons, none is as celebrated as the one adorning the Franciscan Monastery near Pile Gate. A legend as captivating as its mysterious grin claims that anyone who can balance on this maskeron, face against the wall, and remove their shirt without falling will be blessed with luck in love. Even today, this whimsical ritual draws visitors hoping to conquer the challenge and earn a bit of romance magic, while others gather around, clapping, cheering, and laughing as the brave attempt to stand on the maskeron’s narrow surface.
Onofrio’s Fountains and the Magic of Maskerons
When it comes to Dubrovnik’s maskeron collection, Onofrio’s Fountain is an absolute treasure. Positioned at the start of the Stradun, this grand circular fountain was originally built in 1438 and featured 16 unique maskeron faces, each one spouting cool, refreshing water. After a devastating earthquake in 1667, the fountain lost some of its carved faces, yet the remaining maskerons still pour water, giving visitors a chance to cool off and take in a piece of history. These maskeron faces have survived centuries of history, offering an almost timeless service to thirsty travelers and locals alike.
The Hidden Maskerons of Zelena Đivova Square and Sigurata Street
While the more famous maskerons in Dubrovnik catch the eye of those who know where to look, the real thrill lies in finding those tucked away from the crowds. On Zelena Đivova Square, down near the base of the city wall, you’ll find a maskeron with an exaggerated moustache and wide eyes. It’s a surreal mix between a cat and a human—part charm, part oddity. Venture a little further to Sigurata Street, and there, at ground level, is another maskeron, staring up at you with a similar look of bemusement, as if asking, "What took you so long to find me?"
For those who prefer to explore beyond the main squares, seeking out these hidden faces becomes a scavenger hunt through time, a way to step out of the tourist flow and connect with the city’s eccentric, lesser-known side.
Gargoyles and Guardians: Dubrovnik’s Silent Watchers
Much like the gargoyles of Paris or Rome, Dubrovnik’s maskerons serve as silent watchers over the city. By day, they blend into the stone walls, easily missed among the bustling crowds. But if you pause, turn your gaze upward, and let the history of these stony guardians sink in, you’ll feel a deeper connection to Dubrovnik’s past. They were once practical tools, guiding rainwater from rooftops, and yet they were always much more—protectors, storytellers, and reminders of the city’s rich and layered history.
Dubrovnik’s maskerons, with their twisted expressions and enigmatic grins, remind us that history isn’t only grand; it’s in the smallest, quirkiest details. They are pieces of a vibrant past preserved for the curious, inviting all who wander the Old City to see the world through their stone-cast eyes. Masquerade of the Maskerons
“The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.” – William Morris
Unmasking Dubrovnik's Secrets: The Masquerade of the Maskerons
Dubrovnik’s maskerons, with their twisted expressions and enigmatic grins, remind us that history isn’t only grand; it thrives in the quirks and whispers of everyday life. These stone guardians, perched high and low, have silently observed centuries of triumph, disaster, and rebirth, including the catastrophic earthquake of 1667 that reshaped the city.
They’ve weathered the tremors of Dubrovnik’s seismically active past, from ancient quakes to the destructive 10-degree Mercalli scale event that crumbled fortresses and palaces. Yet, the maskerons endured, watching as Dubrovnik rose again, rebuilt through sheer resilience and unwavering spirit.
So next time you wander the Stradun or lose yourself in the labyrinth of alleys, don’t rush. Pause, look up, and meet the gazes of these stone faces. Each maskeron carries a story, a secret, a fragment of Dubrovnik’s incredible history. They’re not just decorations—they’re the city’s soul carved in stone, waiting for you to unmask their timeless charm.
Because in Dubrovnik, the devil is truly in the details—and the maskerons have seen it all.
Commenti