According to historian Serafin Cerva, the Gundulić patriciate dates to 930, as does those of Gozze, Pozza and Giorgi, meaning that they were deemed the oldest ones of Ragusa.

[clarification needed] In the 13th century, three generations of this family took leading roles in the public life in Ragusa.

In the 15th century, Paladino Gundulić held the important position of a diplomat of the Republic to the Kingdom of Naples and Skanderbeg.

Ivan's son, Frano, served the Austrian Empire and the Polish King Jan III Sobieski in 1683, participating in the defeat of the Ottoman Turks at the Battle of Vienna.

On 20 April 1693 the Secretary of the Republic of Ragusa, Michael Allegrettus, confirmed the nobility of the family on behalf of the Rectors and the Great Council (Consilium Maius), its patrician status.