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Dubrovnik City Walls: A Walk Through History

Walk the historic Dubrovnik City Walls: Experience breathtaking views and explore centuries of rich history in the Pearl of the Adriatic.

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The Dubrovnik City Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a series of defensive stone walls encircling the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Built and modified between the 13th and 17th centuries, these walls offer stunning views of the city and the Adriatic Sea.

A brief summary to Dubrovnik City Walls

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat, especially during peak season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat, as the walk is long and exposed to the sun.
  • Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues at the entrance.
  • Bring water and snacks, although there are a few cafes along the way.
  • Consider purchasing the Dubrovnik Pass for access to the walls and other attractions, as well as bus transport.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Pile Gate, the main entrance to the Old Town, the entrance to the City Walls is located just to the left of the Church of the Holy Saviour. After passing through Pile Gate, descend the steps to Stradun, the main street. The staircase leading up to the city walls will be on the left. There are three entrances to the walls: Pile Gate, Ploce Gate, and near the Maritime Museum by Fort St. John. Consider starting at Ploce Gate or St. John's Fortress for a less crowded experience.

  • Public Transport

    From Dubrovnik Airport, take the Platanus airport shuttle bus to Ploce Gate, located just outside the Old Town. The bus makes two stops: by Ploce Gate and at the main bus station. From there, it's a short walk to the Ploce Gate entrance of the City Walls. A one-way ticket costs €10. Alternatively, local Libertas buses connect all parts of Dubrovnik with the Old Town. Several bus lines, including bus no. 6, will take you to Pile Gate. A single ticket costs €1.73 if purchased at a kiosk or €1.99 if purchased on the bus. A 24-hour bus pass costs €5.31.

  • Taxi

    Taxis can drop you off at either Pile Gate or Ploce Gate, as the Old Town is a car-free zone. From there, it's a short walk to the respective entrances of the City Walls. A taxi from Dubrovnik Airport to the Old Town costs approximately €33-51. Within the city, fares start with an initial charge of €4, plus €1.3 per additional kilometer.

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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. This complex system of forts, towers, casemates, bastions, and detached forts surrounds the entire city. The walls run uninterrupted for 1940 meters, encircling most of the city, and reach a maximum height of about 25 meters. The main wall is 4-6 meters thick on the land side and 1.5-3 meters on the seaside. Construction began in the 7th century and lasted until the 17th century. The walls were built in response to foreign attacks over the centuries. The City was separated from the mainland by a sea channel that was filled in the 11th century. By the 13th century, the city was entirely enclosed by the walls. The Dominican Monastery became part of the city wall complex in the 14th century. The design was enhanced with 15 square forts to increase strength. The definitive shape was fixed between the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and the earthquake in 1667, a period known as the Golden Age of Dubrovnik. Today, visitors can walk the entire circuit of the walls, taking in the views of the city's red-tiled rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Key points of interest include the Pile Gate, one of the original entrances to the city, Minceta Tower, the highest point in the Old Town, and the Maritime Museum, located within St. John's Fortress. Walking the walls provides a unique perspective on Dubrovnik's rich history and cultural heritage.

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