During the Middle Ages the Croats used various measures for length, surface, volume and weight, even though most of the units for length derived from human – based units of measurement such as elbow, foot, digit etc.

The symbol of liberty and independence – the Orlando’s Pillar - within the forearm of the statue has an integrated unit of length, an ell (51.2 cm), the purpose of which was measuring cloth sold in its vicinity.

THE DUBROVNIK ELL (51.2 cm) was derived from the length of the right arm from the shoulder to the fingertips.

At the base of the statue the identical measure is chiselled in. The very same unit of measurement appears in various other places along the Croatian cost.

Orlando’s Pillar was erected in 1418. The pillar symbolised the free commerce of the city of Dubrovnik and was generally a symbol of liberty, from which for almost four centuries the flag of the Republic of Dubrovnik (1358-1808) with the inscription Libertas streamed.