Buza Gate

"An intriguing anecdote from the 15th century recounts the deliberations among the citizens of Dubrovnik regarding the potential opening of an additional gate in the northern wall. The city council was divided on the issue: some members argued that a new gate would facilitate the easier import of goods into the city, while others expressed concerns that it would compromise the city's defenses. To resolve this dilemma, they decided to invite two renowned town planners, one from Ancona and the other from Genoa, to provide their expert opinions. During this period, the Adriatic coast was characterized by a fierce rivalry among key towns, including Venice, Genoa, Ancona, and Dubrovnik, all vying for supremacy in trade. When the town planners arrived in Dubrovnik, both advised that opening the gate would be beneficial for the city. However, the day after their departure, the Rector reconvened the council and stated, "It's now easy to reach a decision. Both the gentleman from Genoa and the one from Ancona think it would be most useful to us if the gate were opened. Therefore, notary, write down this: 'We, just in case, will not open the gate.'" This clever twist reflected the council's cautious approach and a desire to maintain the status quo. Interestingly, a gate was eventually opened in the northern part of the city walls, but this did not occur until the period of Austrian rule in 1908. This gate, known as Buža Gate, was constructed to provide easy access for Austrian army officers stationed in the city to the tennis courts that had been established in the trench of the city wall. This decision, made centuries later, highlights how the dynamics of power and practicality can shift over time, allowing for changes that were once deemed contentious."