Walls of Dubrovnik
Walls of Dubrovnik: A Walk Through History
Pile Gate: Dubrovnik's Grand Entrance
Step through history at Dubrovnik's Pile Gate, the main entrance to the UNESCO-listed Old Town, and a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Pile Gate, constructed in 1537, serves as the main entrance to Dubrovnik's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This imposing gate, featuring a drawbridge and Renaissance arch, welcomes visitors into a world of medieval charm and historical significance.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Pile Gate
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Dubrovačke Gradske Zidine, Dubrovnik, Grad, HR
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Getting There
Walking
From anywhere within Dubrovnik's Old Town, Pile Gate is easily accessible on foot. Follow the main street, Stradun, westwards; it naturally leads directly to Pile Gate. The walk is mostly flat and takes approximately 5-10 minutes from the Old Town's center.
Public Transport
Many local buses stop near Pile Gate, making it a convenient entry point to the Old Town. Buses 1A, 1B, and 3 connect Gruž Port to Pile Gate. From the main bus station in Gruž, a single bus ticket costs €2.50 if purchased from the driver or €1.73 if bought in advance at a kiosk. The bus ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available in Dubrovnik. A taxi ride from Gruž Port to Pile Gate typically costs between €7.90 and €15.20, depending on the service and vehicle type. Be aware that prices can be higher during peak season.
Parking
If arriving by car, be aware that parking near Pile Gate is limited and expensive. The closest parking is at the Pile Gate parking lot, but it costs €10 per hour. A more affordable option is the multi-story garage at Ilijina Glavica, which costs €3 per hour or €30 per day, and is a 10-15 minute walk to the Old Town. Alternatively, the Gruž Port Parking Lot is another option with lower rates and a bus connection to Pile Gate. Be aware that from June 2025, the road accessing Dubrovnik's Old Town will be restricted to registered vehicles only.
Local tips
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Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially during peak season.
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Take a moment to appreciate the statue of St. Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik, located above the inner gate.
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Look down as you cross the bridge to see the area that was once a deep-water ditch surrounding the city.
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Note the plaque commemorating the damage sustained during the Homeland War in the early 1990s.
Discover more about Pile Gate
Pile Gate stands as the majestic western entrance to Dubrovnik's enchanting Old Town. Constructed in 1537 as part of a comprehensive defensive system, it has been the main entry point to the city for centuries. The gate consists of an outer and inner gate, connected by a stone bridge that replaced the original wooden drawbridge.As you approach Pile Gate, you cross a double-arched stone bridge, designed in 1471, which spans the defensive moat that once protected the city. The drawbridge, once raised every evening, adds to the gate's imposing presence. Above the inner gate stands a statue of St. Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik, watching over all who enter.Passing through Pile Gate is like stepping back in time. The narrow, cobblestone streets of the Old Town beckon, leading to stunning churches, palaces, and squares. The gate has witnessed the rise and fall of empires and has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including "Game of Thrones". A plaque near the gate commemorates the damage sustained during the Croatian War of Independence in the early 1990s.
A brief summary to Pile Gate
Use Pile Gate as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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More about Dubrovnik
Discover the medieval charm and coastal beauty of Dubrovnik, Croatia's historical gem on the Adriatic Sea, known for its iconic city walls and UNESCO World Heritage Old Town.
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