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The city walls of Dubrovnik are one of the most visited sights in Croatia. Once built to ensure the security of the former Republic of Ragusa, the well-preserved walls are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walk along the city walls is definitely a must-do when you are in Dubrovnik. I’ll show you the most important spots and give you my tips for your visit!
The city wall is one of the most important sights in Dubrovnik. This means that it is always well frequented, especially in the summer months. So you should make a good plan so that you don’t get caught up in the crowds of tourists that flood Dubrovnik every year.
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Hey, I’m Tatiana and I’m the blogger behind The Happy Jetlagger. Since 2014, I’ve been sharing my personal travel stories on this blog. I don’t have a big team behind me, so I’m pretty much a one-person show: I’ve researched and tested all recommendations myself.
Visiting time: It is best to plan your visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. In summer, the city wall is open from 8 am. In the morning you have the best chance to explore the city walls at your leisure. You also avoid the midday sun.
Clothing: Comfortable shoes are an advantage. There is no shade on the wall, so remember to wear sun protection and a hat, especially on sunny days.
Duration: A round trip takes about 1 1/4 hours if you just walk normally. But there is a lot to see on the way and with photo stops and short breaks I would plan at least 2 hours for a complete tour.
Admission: The entrance fees for the city wall are quite steep. Admission costs €35 in summer and €15 in the winter months (although the opening hours are shorter).
Tip: You pay just as much for the Dubrovnik Pass, but in addition to admission to the city walls, it also includes many other sights in Dubrovnik, such as the Rector’s Palace and free travel on public transport. This makes the high expenditure worthwhile after all.
The city wall surrounds the entire old town of Dubrovnik
In some places it is up to 25 meters high and up to 6 meters thick
Length is 1940m
From here you have a breathtaking view of the city and the sea
You can walk around the entire city wall
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Construction of the city wall began at the end of the 8th century. It proved its worth as early as 866-867 and withstood the siege by the Saracens. Over the centuries, the city wall was extended and reinforced more and more often. Between the 12th and 17th centuries in particular, further construction work shaped its current appearance. The fortress also largely survived the great earthquake of 1667 that struck the region. In 1979, the city walls of Dubrovnik became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Later, during the Yugoslav war in 1991, the city wall played an important role in the siege of the city by the troops of the Yugoslav People’s Army. Here the medieval fortress system proved itself once again. For nine months, the Croatian population behind the defenses withstood the massive attacks until Dubrovnik was recaptured by the Croatian army.
Are you planning a trip to Dubrovnik? Here you will find all the most important sights & lots of information for your trip
Dubrovnik’s city walls are divided into different sections. Each section plays an important role in the protection and structure of the old town. The various gates and towers are also good for orientation. These are the most important spots:
Minčeta Tower: The highest point of the fortress in the north of the old town. From here you have the perfect view of the iconic basketball court.
Pile Gate: The main gate to the old town. Cross a stone bridge through the fortifications and you will reach the western end of the Stradun, the main street in the old town of Dubrovnik.
Ploče Gate: The eastern gateway to the old town, less frequented but no less impressive. From here you can also reach the two eastern entrances to the city wall.
Lovrijenac Fortress: Located outside the city walls, it is nevertheless one of Dubrovnik’s fortifications.
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The entrance fees for the city wall vary depending on the season. For 2024, admission costs €35 for adults and €15 for children from March to October and €15 and €5 respectively in the remaining months. I recommend that you buy a Dubrovnik Pass. It costs the same for one day, but also gives you free entry to other attractions and free use of public transport.
There are three entrances to the city wall spread across the city:
Behind the Ploče Gate opposite the Dominican Church
At the Pile Gate opposite the Onofrio Fountain
Next to the Maritime Museum near St. John’s Fortress.
Please note: The city wall can only be walked in one direction, namely counter-clockwise. I recommend that you start at the Pile gate. In contrast to the other two, this entrance is the easiest to find.
The complete tour of the city wall takes about 1 1/4 hours. However, I wouldn’t plan less than 2 hours, as you stop very often to enjoy the spectacular view or take photos.
Opening hours vary depending on the season. In winter, for example, the city wall closes at 3 pm. You can find the exact opening hours here.