If you’re visiting Dubrovnik, you won’t want to miss the city walls! This impressive wall , built in the 13th century, surrounds the old town for almost two kilometers and reaches a height of 25m. We were captivated by its excellent state of preservation and the promenade, which offers panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik’s skyline.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you make the most of your visit to Dubrovnik’s ramparts.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Why visit the Ramparts of Dubrovnik
Are Dubrovnik’s ramparts worth the effort? Our opinion:
Yes, Dubrovnik’s city walls are well worth a visit. Their excellent state of preservation makes for a unique walk of almost two kilometers. We were seduced by the panoramic views over the old town, with the Adriatic Sea and the green mountains framing the city as backdrops. The walk, though slightly strenuous, remains accessible and highly enjoyable. It’s one of Dubrovnik’s best attractions!
Why is the Dubrovnik Wall famous?
Dubrovnik’s city wall is famous for being one of the largest intact medieval fortification systems in the world. Built as early as the 13th century, it has protected the city without ever being breached by an enemy army. At 25m high and 1,940m long, it surrounds the old town, offering remarkable defensive architecture. Its 16 towers, four main gates and large moat bear witness to exceptional military engineering. It is the city’s strongest visual symbol, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our favorite
We loved the panoramic stroll along the ramparts, but if we had to choose just one viewpoint, it would be the plunging view over the rooftops of the old town.
This perspective reveals a striking architectural uniformity, an undulating sea of ochre tiles. In 1991-1992, during the siege of Dubrovnik by Serbian and Montenegrin forces, thousands of shells severely damaged the historic center. A huge restoration project followed, involving the replacement of 200,000 tiles. Some of the new tiles were handmade in Toulouse. It’s hard not to smile as you contemplate these roofs that have come from the Ville Rose to adorn the Pearl of the Adriatic!
History in brief
Here are a few key dates:
– 13th century: Construction of the ramparts to their present extent (1,940 meters). Medieval defensive system with square towers and 1.5 m thick walls.
– 1455-1465: Defensive revolution with the arrival of firearms. Massive reinforcement: walls up to 6 meters thick, addition of gun platforms and casemates.
– 1667: Devastating earthquake. Massive reconstruction of the town in Baroque style, visible from the ramparts.
– 1806: End of the Republic of Ragusa’s independence with Napoleon’s occupation, after centuries of freedom defended by these fortifications.
– 1979: UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to find us: Dubrovnik ramparts, Dubrovnik
Where are the Remparts of Dubrovnik?
The city walls encircle Dubrovnik’s entire old town and even the Old Port.
Several gates provide access to the city.
How to get there?
You can reach Dubrovnik city center by car, but parking spaces at the entrance to the walled city are expensive and overcrowded.
The easiest way to get there is by public transport or cab. The Porta Pile is home to several cab ranks and a bus stop.
From here, you can reach the various entrances in just a few minutes. Note that access to the ramparts involves climbing steps, regardless of the point of entry.
Parking
There’s no dedicated parking, but you’ll find a few spaces just below the ramparts, at the Buza Gate. Obviously, this parking lot is crowded, so plan to arrive early.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Croatia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
See our tips (coming soon)
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
Dubrovnik’s ramparts are beautiful to see all year round.
However, we recommend that you come on a day with good weather to enjoy the panoramic views, and above all that you come as soon as the site opens to enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere, at least for the first 30 minutes! Indeed, from 10 a.m. onwards, the town is packed with busloads of tourists, and at times you have to queue up to take a photo of a viewpoint…
Length of visit and main difficulties
If you’re in a hurry and walk fast without stopping, allow 1 hour. If you really want to enjoy the sights, take photos and visit at your own pace, allow 2 hours.
The site is in excellent condition, but the walk involves a lot of stairs and uneven ground. We therefore advise you to
In winter, bring a windbreaker as the site is quite exposed.
Please note that access is not suitable for people with reduced mobility, nor for baby carriages.
Some people may also experience vertigo in certain areas.
And there is no locker or checkroom service on site.
Advice on how to visit
We recommend starting your visit at the Buza Gate. This gate, located at the end of the route, is less busy, making for a quieter first part of the visit. Note, however, that it’s a one-way street, so you’re bound to run into people again after a while!
Visiting with children
The visit can be a little long for the youngest visitors, especially if there are no suitable teaching aids. Children will enjoy the walk, but be aware that the walls are quite high, which can make it difficult for them to appreciate the panoramic views.
Strollers are not recommended due to the numerous steps.
Schedules and rates
The walls are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in high season and until 3 p.m. in low season.
Prices are as follows:
- Full adult rate: €40
- Children’s rate (7-18 years): €15
However, we strongly advise you toopt for the Dubrovnik Pass.
Also priced at €40, it includes sites other than the city walls, which is much cheaper. You can opt for a pass valid for 24, 48 or more hours.
Find out more on the official website here.
Guided tours
Please note that there is no mediation service (audioguide or explanatory booklet) on site.
However, during our visit, we found that this cruel lack of information to understand the history of the site could frankly detract from the visiting experience.
We therefore advise you to turn to the tourist office to book a private tour. You can also book online: see info, prices and availability.
Catering
The ramparts offer a number of places to cool off. You’ll find drinks stalls, an ice-cream parlour and a few cafés right on the spot.
Bring cash just in case.
Otherwise, as the ramparts are in the old town, you’ll find plenty of options for local food after your stroll. Find out more in our article Where to eat in Dubrovnik.
Visit Dubrovnik’s city walls: the complete guide
Strolling along Dubrovnik’s city walls: our experience
We loved this elevated walk, which reveals Dubrovnik from a totally different angle. Understanding the defensive system is fascinating, but what really impressed us was the unique perspective on the city. The labyrinthine maze of ochre-roofed houses, the bell towers emerging here and there, the narrow winding streets… everything makes sense from above. Our advice: really take your time. It’s not a race, it’s a contemplation. Sit back and soak up the beauty of this city suspended between sea and mountains.
Must-see viewpoints to capture the essence of Dubrovnik
What makes this ride so rich are the panoramic views that follow one another at every turn. Among our favorite views, of course, are those where you can see the Adriatic Sea stretching out. Deep blue, it contrasts magnificently with the ochre stones of the fortifications. Our favorite panorama? From Fort Saint Margaret, you have a magnificent view of Fort Lovrijenac, perched on its rocky outcrop to the west.
And don’t miss the breathtaking view of the legendary Rue Stradun!
How to make the most of a visit to the Dubrovnik city walls
The ramparts are very busy, especially during the day. But a few tricks can transform your experience.
Our #1 tip: start at the Ploče Gate entrance. The ticket office is located right next to the 360 gourmet restaurant. Why this choice? Because 95% of visitors start at the Pile Gate (the main entrance). As a result, you’re really on your own while the crowd concentrates on the other side.
Tip 2: Get to the opening of the site. We were almost alone for the first 30 minutes. An hour later, the flow is already clearly increasing. To save even more time, you can buy your Dubrovnik Pass online.
Tip 3: Sturdy shoes are a must. The stone slabs are polished by millions of passes and become slippery, especially after rain. And the climb up and down will convince you to take good shoes!
Finally, the best advice is to take your time! Why not take a dip along the ramparts?
Discover the history of Dubrovnik’s Unesco-listed city walls
Construction and evolution of the ramparts (13ᵉ-16ᵉ centuries)
Dubrovnik’s first fortifications date back to the 13thᵉ century. Their layout gradually became fixed until the 15th century, giving rise to the virtually unchanged enclosure we know today. Initially designed to repel bladed weapons, the walls were straight, high and punctuated by square towers open towards the city.
With the advent of firearms at the end of the XIVᵉ century, the defense had to adapt: walls were thickened to six meters, towers vaulted and reinforced, and wide platforms built to accommodate artillery. These Renaissance-inspired transformations gave the ramparts their current silhouette.
The defensive system of the ramparts: towers, gates and bastions
The defensive system combined towers, bastions and fortified gates. Fifteen towers dot the enclosure, including the Minčeta, erected in 1319 by Nikifor Ranjina and then remodeled in 1461 by Michelozzo Michelozzi, who added a circular base suitable for cannons.
The main entrances – Pile, Ploče, Peskarija and Ponta – date from the XIVᵉ-XV centuries and reflect the local Gothic style. The Buža gate, opened in 1908, today offers a more modern access.
The Bokar fortress (15th century) and the 17thᵉ century bastions complete this ensemble, designed to meet the growing power of artillery.
The wall, an emblematic symbol and a protected world heritage site
Beyond their technical prowess, the ramparts embodied the freedom of the Republic of Ragusa, jealously defended by its aristocracy and local militia.
Independence came to an end in 1806 with the entry of Napoleonic troops, followed by the attachment to the Habsburg Empire in 1815.
After a period of deterioration in the XIXᵉ century, the Société des Amis des Antiquités undertook a vast restoration program in 1952. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, the ramparts are now among the best-preserved medieval fortifications in the Mediterranean world.
BONUS: 3 alternative views of the ramparts
You’ve loved your visit to Dubrovnik’s city walls and want to extend the pleasure.
Here are three complementary perspectives we’ve tested:
From the Mont Srđ cable car
The panoramic view from the summit of Mont Srđ (412 m) reveals the scale of the fortified system as a whole. From up there, you instantly understand the ring configuration of the ramparts surrounding the old town. And if you go up at the end of the day, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a lovely sunset and see the ramparts illuminated!
The cable car operates all year round, and costs around €30 for a round trip.
More information on the official website here.
From Fort Lovrijenac (Saint-Laurent)
Perched on its rocky outcrop to the west of the old town, this independent fort offers a close-up view of the western corner of the ramparts and the Bokar fortress. The contrast between the two defensive systems – one maritime, the other urban – is striking.
Access is included in the Dubrovnik Pass, so you can combine the two in the same day for a complete visit. From Porta Pile, it’s a 10-minute walk up the steep steps to the fort’s entrance.
Dubrovnik’s ramparts from the sea
The maritime perspective reveals the full power of the coastal fortifications, with their walls plunging straight into the Adriatic.
To enjoy the walled city from the sea, there are several options:
- A kayak excursion departing from Banje Beach
- A boat trip to Lokrum or Cavtat from Dubrovnik’s Old Port
In both cases, you’ll see just how sturdy the ramparts are.
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Frequently asked questions
Verdict: Is a visit to the ramparts worth the price?
Our answer: yes, without hesitation.
Consider it as much a must-see as the old town itself – it’s the experience that gives meaning to everything else.
Admittedly, the price isn’t cheap (€40 per adult) and the crowds can be daunting, but this walk offers something unique: total immersion in 8 centuries of defensive history while enjoying sublime panoramas. impossible. To make it really worth your while, respect our conditions: opt for the Dubrovnik Pass, leave early, as soon as it opens, plan for a leisurely 2-hour visit, and choose good shoes to anticipate the many stairs.
Is a visit to the city walls really accessible to families?
A walk around Dubrovnik’s city walls is possible with the whole family, but it can be a bit long for the little ones. Children under 10 are likely to get bored, as there are no educational elements on site. It’s also a good idea to bring a stroller, given the number of ascents and descents. Note also that some panoramas will not be accessible to the youngest visitors, as the walls are quite high.
Perhaps with them, the discovery of the walls by cable car will be more impressive.
