Even on a tight schedule, Sponza Palace earns the hours.
Allow 15–20 min.
The arcaded courtyard is free, beautiful and a lovely shaded pause right on the main square. The Memorial Room of the Defenders — photos of the young men killed in the 1991 siege — is quietly devastating and gives the city real depth. The catch is that beyond the courtyard and memorial there isn't much to 'do' here.