Plizio Visual Lab
Dubrovnik City Walls
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The City Walls of Dubrovnik are among the most imposing medieval fortification systems in the world and stand as a symbol of the enduring freedom of the former Republic of Ragusa. Construction of the current system began in the 13th century and continued through the 17th century, with the walls being constantly reinforced to withstand invasions. The circuit encloses the entire Old City over a length of nearly two kilometers, reaching a thickness of up to six meters on the landward side. The defensive complex incorporates prominent fortresses such as Minčeta, Bokar, and St. John's Fort. Despite numerous conflicts and a catastrophic earthquake in 1667, the walls remained largely unscathed throughout history. Today, they are Dubrovnik's primary attraction, providing visitors with a spectacular walk offering vistas of the Adriatic Sea and the city's iconic terracotta rooftops. Since 1979, they have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Location: Croatia
- Nearby: Gornje Obuljeno (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 22 | 18 | 15 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 143 | 142 | 123 | 91 | 75 | 58 | 35 | 38 | 103 | 123 | 161 | 159 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Dubrovnik City Walls are fully walkable, offering a complete circuit. Access is through several gates, and entry requires a ticket.
Typical hours
The walls are typically open daily from morning until late afternoon. During summer months, hours are often extended.
Photography
Photography is allowed along the entire walls, with lookout points offering great photo opportunities. Drones are usually not permitted.
Time needed
A full walk along the walls typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on pace. Allow extra time for breaks at viewpoints.
Combine with
Combine the wall walk with a visit to Fort Lovrijenac, which is adjacent. The Old Port and Old Town alleys are also great additions.
Getting there
The walls are best accessed via Pile Gate or Ploče Gate. Parking is outside the Old Town; the walls themselves are only accessible on foot.
Insider tip
Walk the walls early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and crowds. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as there is little shade along the route.
Geography
Facts
- The total length of the city walls is exactly 1,940 meters.
- On the landward side, the walls range from 4 to 6 meters in thickness.
- The highest point of the fortification system is the Minčeta Tower.
- The walls suffered minimal damage during the great earthquake of 1667.
- There are three main entrances to the walls: Pile, Ploče, and the Maritime Museum.
- Dubrovnik was among the first sites to be added to the UNESCO list in 1979.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How long are the walls of Dubrovnik?
The walls stretch for a total length of about 1,940 meters around the old town.
How high are the walls at their highest point?
The city walls reach an impressive height of up to 25 meters in some places.
In which direction should you walk the walls?
Walking the walls is only allowed in one direction, counter-clockwise.
Are there toilets or cafes on the walls?
Yes, there are small refreshment stands and cafes along the path with views of the Adriatic.
When is the best time to visit the walls?
Ideally early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and the largest crowds.
Dubrovnik City Walls: where is it located?
Dubrovnik City Walls is located in Croatia.
Dubrovnik City Walls: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Dubrovnik City Walls: why is it worth visiting?
The City Walls of Dubrovnik are among the most imposing medieval fortification systems in the world and stand as a symbol of the enduring freedom of the former Republic of Ragusa.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Croatia →
Nearby cities
Bosanka
A peaceful village on Mount Srđ above Dubrovnik, offering spectacular views of the Old Town and the Adriatic.
Lokrum
A lush green oasis just 600 meters from Dubrovnik, famous for peacocks and an ancient monastery.
Metković
Metkovic is located on the banks of the Neretva River near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Prijevor
A village above Rijeka Dubrovačka, known for its proximity to the source of the Ombla River and Dubrovnik.
Komolac
Located at the source of the world's shortest river, the Ombla, Komolac features historic villas and a modern marina.
Donje Obuljeno
A district of Dubrovnik at the mouth of the Ombla river, near the ACI Marina.
Rožat
A picturesque village on the Ombla river, just a few kilometers from the center of Dubrovnik.
Nova Mokošica
A modern residential district of Dubrovnik on the banks of Rijeka Dubrovačka, known for its quiet location and proximity to the Ombla spr…
Knežica
A green suburb of Dubrovnik in the picturesque valley of Rijeka Dubrovačka.
Gornje Obuljeno
A hillside village above the Ombla river with a wonderful view of the Dubrovnik hinterland and the sea.
Čajkovica
A peaceful suburb of Dubrovnik, located at the picturesque upper reach of Rijeka Dubrovačka.
Peračko Blato
An idyllic village on the shores of the Baćina Lakes, where freshwater springs meet Mediterranean nature.
Kućište
A historic captains' village on the Pelješac peninsula, famous for its old architecture and excellent windsurfing conditions.
Viganj
A windsurfers' paradise on the Pelješac peninsula, famous for steady winds and old captains' houses.
Sustjepan
A suburb of Dubrovnik at the mouth of the Rijeka Dubrovačka, known for its ancient church.
