340 THE REPUBLIC OF RAGUSA
menced by architects inspired by Venetian ideas, and completed by others devoted to Renaissance art. The site of the existing edifice was originally occupied—in the days when the whole town was confined to the seaward ridge, and separated from the mainland by a marshy
channel where the Stradone now runs —by a castle as a defence against the Vlach settlement on the opposite side. When this was absorbed, and the marshy channel filled in, the castle was enlarged and strengthened, and later became the seat of the Government and the residence of the Count. Beyond the fact that it was pro-
 “/ESCULAPIUS ” CAPITAL, RECTOR’S PALACE	,	-
                           tected by four towers,1 we know nothing about this early building. Already, in 1272, it was spoken of as a very ancient edifice,2 and in 1349 the Council decided “ quod sala veteris palatii ubi dominus Comes habitat reaptetur et altius elevetur,”3 which seems to show that it had been allowed to fall into disrepair. In 1388 it was
1	Gelcich, p. 42.	2 Ibid.	3 Reform., ii., Oct. 3, 1349.