Standing in front of the Sponza Palace, this stone column is carved with the figure of a medieval knight holding a sword and shield. Dating from the 15th century, it is regarded as a symbol of the freedom of Dubrovnik. Legend has it that the knight in question is the mythical hero Orlando, who supposedly helped to liberate Dubrovnik when it was attacked by Saracen pirates in the 9th century. Nowadays, during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, the column proudly bears the Libertas flag.