This paper deals with the creation and development of medieval communes in Šibenik, Trogir and Split from their formative period in the 12th century. It also gives insight into the society of the time, the creation of statute as a basis for communal administration, and the constitution of communal autonomy of the cities. Rapid political and economic growth of the communes is followed by the construction of public buildings with the purpose of housing their administrative needs. Those were representative public buildings which aesthetically reflected the size and significance of the city, as well as the economic power and the level of cultural and social development of the community. Communal palaces, rector's palaces, and communal city lodges are mostly located in places of significance, more specifically, main city squares. In that way, the main square becomes the city's economic, political, and cultural center. This paper describes and follows the creation and the development of communal palaces, rector's palaces, and communal city lodges in Šibenik, Trogir and Split in the period between the 13th and 20th century. Each of these buildings is a unique example and witness to the time period in which it was created. In this paper, I have explained their functions and described their architectural characteristics, decorative elements, and various phases of rebuilding and repurposing.