Exploring Dubrovnik walls is certainly the first thing that all visitors want to do. The walls are ranked number one of all top sights to see or things to do in Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik walls are not only the highlights of town’s history and architecture but an example of Dubrovnik people’s eternal love of freedom and independence.
These walls resisted Ottomans threats, devastating earthquake in 1667, and several terrible months of Serbian forces shelling (in 1991) the entire city, but all the wounds seems to be cured now and the restored city walls seem unconquerable as they once were.
The entire inner city is enclosed by massive walls and fortifications, which were built, reinforced and expanded from the 12th to the middle of the 17th century.
The main wall is almost 2 km long. The wall toward the land is from 6 meters wide and the wall facing the sea is from 3 meters wide and in some places up to 25 meters high.
The walls are protected at four important points by strong fortification (see the map above). The mighty Minceta tower is on the north, while the port is protected by the separated Revelin fortress in the north-east and by the big complex of the St. John fortress in the south-east.
The western entrance to the city is protected by the strong and beautiful Bokar fortress, while the western part of the old city is sheltered from sea attacks by powerful Lovrijenac fortress.
Dubrovnik Sea Kayaking & Snorkeling
Paddle and snorkel in crystal clear Adriatic Sea on a half-day sea kayaking tour. See the magnificent walls and discover beautiful hidden beaches and caves with wonderful sea life, and create moments to remember.
Dubrovnik Walls Walking Tour
Discover the best of Dubrovnik on a combined tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and ancient city wall.
No visitor to Dubrovnik should miss seeing the old walls that surround the oldest part of the city. There are few entrances to the wall complex:
- The most popular is on the left side of Stradun, just after you enter the city from the Pile Gate (with Croatia’s flag).
- On the south-east of the old city port, near the Fortress of St. Ivan there is another entrance to the walls. On the ground floor of the St. Ivan fortress there is Dubrovnik Aquarium, while the first and second floor situates Dubrovnik Maritime Museum.
Entrance costs 100 Kuna (students 30 Kuna, children 30 Kuna), but take my advice to bring something to drink as the two kilometer trail includes many steps and it could be quite tiring, particularly in hot summer days.
Opening hours of the Dubrovnik walls:
- It varies depending of the tourist season: in mid and high season it is opened from 08:00 to 19:30.
- In lower season from November to March you can visit them from 09:00 to 15:00
Dubrovnik Walking Guided Tour
Explore the stunning architecture and rich history of this famous city on a brilliant walking tour. Discover magnificent buildings, palaces and treasures, and learn all about the stories and legends of Dubrovnik on this guided tour.
Two of Dubrovnik’s historic fortifications are not linked to the city walls, and instead they’re built outside the walls. The first one is the fortress of Lovrijenac (Lawrence), which according to legend was constructed in only three months in the early 11th century to prevent the Venetians from building their own fortress there.
Carved in stone above the door leading to the fortress is ‘Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro’ – ‘All the gold in the world cannot buy freedom’, written by Dubrovnik’s famed poet Ivan Gundulic.
Fort Lawrence has a triangular shape with three levels. Dubrovnik walls facing the sea are up to 12 meters while those facing the city are only 60 cm thick.
The second separated fortress is Revelin, situated on eastern part of the old town outside Ploce gate.
The top of Revelin features a huge stone-paved terrace, the largest in Dubrovnik. This terrace dominates the top of the fortress and is sometimes used as a stage for many events of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, which takes place in Dubrovnik each year from July 10th to August 25th.
This terrace is also known as spectacular wedding venue (read more about honeymoon and wedding in Dubrovnik).
Dubrovnik "Karaka" ship romantic sunset cruise
Get a feel for our rich history by cruising around Dubrovnik in a traditional karaka (carrack) ship replica. Romantic dinner while sailing next to one of Adriatic's most beautiful destinations will be an evening to remember.
Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Locations
Each year there’s more and more Game of Thrones fans flocking to view the unique filming locations of their favorite show.
Consider checking out this popular Game of Thrones tour of Dubrovnik which will show you the best parts of the city, but also tell you which locations were used for scenes in each GoT season.
Dubrovnik Tour: Life of King's Landing
Discover where the Lannisters schemed, where Joffrey met his end, or visit the Littlefinger's brothel... This is a must-see tour for any serious Game of Thrones fan where you get to discover filming locations used in Seasons 2-5.
Seaside Views and Romantic Atmosphere
While strolling Dubrovnik walls make sure you don’t miss two unique hidden holes on the exteriors of the walls. They’re not clearly marked, but also not difficult to find, and they will take you to bathing spots on the rocks below the walls.
The most famous are Buza (hole) bars. The best thing about the Buza bars is that you can descend down to the sea and jump off the rocks to swim below the Medieval city walls.
Before your city walking tour is over, just stop by in Buza one or Buza two bars for a cocktail and watch the city gleam in a memorable sunset.
