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Dubrovnik City Walls: A Walk Through History

Explore Dubrovnik's iconic City Walls: a UNESCO World Heritage site offering a walk through history with breathtaking Adriatic views.

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The Dubrovnik City Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a series of defensive stone walls encircling the city of Dubrovnik in southern Croatia. Built and fortified from the 13th to the 17th centuries, these walls offer a stunning 1,940-meter walk with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea.

A brief summary to Dubrovnik City Walls

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and avoid midday heat for a more enjoyable walk.
  • Consider purchasing the Dubrovnik Pass for access to the City Walls, museums, and public transport.
  • Visit during the off-season (November to February) for cheaper tickets and fewer crowds.
  • Take advantage of the 72-hour validity of the City Walls ticket to explore the walls and Fort Lovrijenac at your own pace.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The most direct approach to the City Walls is on foot, as they encircle the Old Town, a pedestrian-only zone. From anywhere within the Old Town, follow the signs towards the Pile Gate or Ploče Gate entrances. Both gates are clearly marked and easily accessible from the main street, Stradun. Once at either gate, ticket offices are available for purchasing entry. Be prepared for stairs and uneven surfaces along the wall's path.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus from other parts of Dubrovnik, such as Lapad or Gruž, take any bus that goes to Pile Gate. Buses are frequent and clearly marked. A single ticket costs €1.73 if purchased at a kiosk or €1.99 on the bus. Alternatively, a 24-hour pass costs €5.31. The Dubrovnik Pass includes bus transport. From the Pile Gate bus stop, the entrance to the City Walls is a short walk away. Note that from the Main Bus Station, buses 1A and 1B will take you to Pile Gate.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber can drop you off at either Pile Gate or Ploče Gate, as the Old Town is a car-free zone. From the airport, a taxi to the Old Town will cost approximately €33-51. Within the city, taxi fares start at a base of €3.36, plus €1.08 per kilometer. A short ride from Gruž to Pile Gate will cost around €12. Be aware that traffic can be heavy during peak season, so allow extra time. From the drop-off point, the City Walls entrance is a short walk away.

  • Parking

    If driving, be aware that the Old Town is a car-free zone. The closest parking options are located just outside the Pile Gate and Ploče Gate. The Ilijina Glavica garage is a larger, 24-hour parking facility located a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. Parking costs vary, with street parking near the Old Town being the most expensive, around €10 per hour in the summer. The Ilijina Glavica garage charges €3 per hour or €30 for the whole day. Dubrovnik City Parking, located a 15-minute walk from the Old Town, offers parking for €3 per hour. From any of these parking locations, it's a short walk to the City Walls entrance.

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Discover more about Dubrovnik City Walls

The Dubrovnik City Walls are one of the main reasons that Dubrovnik is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. These walls have a rich history, dating back to the 13th century, with continuous improvements and additions made up until the 17th century. The walls were built to protect the city from foreign attacks, and they have successfully withstood numerous sieges throughout history. The walls run for 1,940 meters, encircling most of the Old City, and reach a maximum height of 25 meters. The walls consist of the main city wall, sixteen towers, three fortresses, six bastions, two corner fortifications, three bulwarks, three moats, two flank fortresses, one breakwater, and two drawbridges. The walls are generally 6 meters thick on the land side and 1.5 to 3 meters thick on the sea side. A walk along the Dubrovnik City Walls provides a fantastic overview of the city's history and offers stunning views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. Key points of interest include the Pile Gate, the main entrance to the Old Town, and the Minceta Tower, a symbol of the city's unconquerable spirit. The walls also incorporate the Dominican Monastery, which became part of the city's defenses in the 14th century.

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