So many meanings are held in the Orlando’s column.
Orlando’s column was built in 1419 by Bonino da Milano, replacing the old column. Why “Orlando”? At that time, a medieval brave knight Roland (Orlando in Italian) was very popular in local poetry and stories. According to the legend, Orlando defended Dubrovnik from the Saracens. Furthermore, columns with a statue of the legendary knight Roland were popular in Central Europe, especially in Germany. They were a symbol of the freedom and autonomy of the medieval trading towns. Dubrovnik’s Orlando is said to be the best depiction of a warrior in full war gear in this part of Europe.
Orlando was erected in the central point of the city square, carrying the flag of the Republic of Dubrovnik. It was a place where all government decisions were announced, and also a place where all punishments were executed.
Additionally, the length of Orlando’s right elbow (51.2 cm) was a measure of length (the “Dubrovnik elbow” – the ell). It was a place where the merchants would measure the length of the sold fabric.
Orlando carries the flag of Saint Blaise during the Festivity of the Saint Blaise. It also carries the Libertas flag, during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, a key annual Dubrovnik’s festival that’s been running for more than 70 years. The Festival’s award for the artistic performances bears its name.
And last but not least, Orlando is a place to wait for a friend or rest after a long day’s sightseeing.