Jugoslovenski Rotar

(1699—1725) which was built by the architect Pozzo. The monumental flight of stairs leading to the church was executed after plans of Padelacqua. These richly elaborate and ornate baroque buildings, for which we should look in vain in other Dalmatian towns, give Dubrovnik its festive character. This is still more enhanced by the surrounding private houses which display uniform and almost monotonous features. After the earthquake of 1667 the greatest simplicity in architecture was prescribed for all private houses. That is why the immediate neighbourhood of the Rector’s Palace appears so imposing. Although it is placed in the heart of a sea-port, it is spared the noise and traffic of modern life. Treading on this venerable soil the visitor feels the fascination and power of history. When the southern sun floods the city with its warm light so that the gold-brown patina of architecture stands out in contrast with the shadows, the whole place appears like a magnificent stage which, for the moment, is devoid of actors.

The Dubrovnik of our days has worthily followed in the step of its forefathers. What is inherited has to be piously preserved and handed over unspoilt to the coming generations. In a city like Dubrovnik the responsibility of its administrators is great before history. The new buildings, imposed by the necessities of modern Ife, must not disturb the character of the old ones. Of course, our times and art have also their freedom and rights, but when they recognize the merits of earlier times and when they respect them, then they give themselves a good reference of a dignified nobility. Very often the old and the new will harmonize together, and the charm of the resulting works of art will thus be enhanced, as it often happened in times past. A fine instance of this offers the monumental relief of King Peter I, executed by the great master Ivan MeStrovié and inserted with great understanding in the architecture of the city-gate of Pile. This does credit to the artist and to the city fathers. May Dubrovnik continue its development along these lines in the domain of the arts.

~

Pavle Ostović

ALONG THE YUGOSLAV COAST

The Yugoslav sea-coast is one of the most developed in Europe with an almost continuous chain of isles and islets and numberless bays, bights and friths. High mountains and bare rocks rise here and there almost perpendicularly from the sea while the majestic scenery makes you ponder on the titanic forces of nature which were engaged in its making. This configuration of the coast, the deep blue sea, the southern sun bathing all the beauty in its warm rays, make of the Yugoslav coast one of the most beautiful and romantic sea-shores in the world.

Space does not permit me to dwell at length on the beauties of the Yugoslaw coast. I shall therefore try to mention in a few lines all that

12