The walk around the city walls takes about an hour and gives some of the best views of the old city and the coast, as well as the rare site of unrestored building still showing signs of the civil war. I was in Dubrovnik during the summer when the heat was oppressive, so I waited until as near to sunset at the open hours would allow. Even at 6:30pm the heat made the trip around the city exhausting. But the views it afforded were worth it. At that hour the orange tile roofs of the cities building practically glow in the evening light and the ocean glimmers with the setting sun. I do not recommend this walk to those for whom taking stairs is difficult. There are many sections that require climbing. There is an audio tour which gives a bit more history, which I highly recommend if you want more than just views.

More Info:
Open until 7:30pm in summer
Summer Prices: 50kn Adult, 20kn student (no student ID required), and 19kn child
40kn audio tour.

One of the best-preserved medieval city fortifications in the world, and a major factor in Dubrovnik’s UNESCO listing, the magnificent city walls are a highlight of any visit.

The walls originated in the early 7th century, when the Islet of Ragusa was populated by Roman refugees. The rocky islet’s natural defensive position was augmented by fortifications that by the 9th century were already strong enough to resist a 15-month siege by the Saracens. By the 11th century, the channel was filled in, and the walls extended to take in the Croat settlement on the mainland. The walls took their final shape in the 14th century, when they were extended to encompass the Dominican monastery and many of the original fortresses were built.

The fall of Constantinople to the Turks in 1453 led to the appointment of renaissance architect Micheloezo di Bartolomeo of Florence to refortify the city. The two main entrances, Gradska vrata Pile (Pile Gate) and Vrata od Ploèa (Ploèe Gate), were reconstructed along with Trvaðava Revelin (Revelin Fort). The elegant Zulezdan (Bokar Tower) was constructed to protect vrata Pile, the small port below, and as a base for the destruction of the external Tvraðava Lovrijinec (Lovrijinec Fort), should it fall into enemy hands. While the walls of this fort are for the most part 12m thick, the side facing the city is only 60cm. Finally, the great Trvaðava Minèeta (Minèeta Fort) was expanded and joined to the new scarp walls designed to protect the city from artillery fire. This is still the highest point in the city and affords superb views. This work was mostly completed by 1463, the same year that saw the Turks advance into neighbouring areas.

In the late 15th century, the city feared conquest both from the marauding Turks and the Venetians, from whom the republic became independent in 1358. City engineer Pakaje Milièevic set about refortifying Gradska Luka (Old Port), rebuilding the imposing Trvaðava sv Ivana (St John’s Fort) and Trvaðava sv Lukaš (St Luke’s Fort) opposite, and replacing the chain and wooden beams that used to be stretched between the two to close the port at night with Kaša breakwater. He also built the Passing Bell Fort on the southern wall, which now affords excellent views of the sea and Lokrum Island, and a new stone bridge across the defensive ditch to Vrata od Ploèa.

The mighty walls saw little combat, until the devastating siege of 1991, but did prove themselves by surviving the devastating earthquake of 1667 relatively unscathed, including Trvaðava Revelin, refortified by Antonio Ferramdino between 1538-49, which housed the city’s treasury. The walls today stretch for 2km around the city and range from 1.5m thick on the seaward side to 6m thick on the land side. They can be accessed for 30Kn from next to Gradska vrata Pile, or opposite the Bell Tower, and the walk around the circumference is a perfect way to experience the city and its immediate surroundings.

There’s no better way to appreciate Dubrovnik’s history and architecture than by traversing the beautiful walls that surround the Old Town. There are multiple entrances, but the best (and most popular) is on the left side of Stradun, just after you enter the city from the Pile Gate (which is topped by a large Croatian flag.) Entrance costs 30Kn (students 20Kn, children 10Kn) and it’s a good idea to bring something to drink as the two-kilometer circuit contains many steps and can get quite tiring, particularly in hot weather.

The walls offer outstanding views into the Old Town and its red-tiled roofs, the Old Port (and the nearby island of Lokrum), and out to sea, but are also quite a sight unto themselves. For all their present harmony, they were actually constructed and expanded over the course of four centuries (from the 1200s to the 1600s) and their sixteen towers reflect a variety of architectural styles. Many individual fortifications, such as the Pile Gate (which is mentioned in sources as early as 972 but which was reinforced in 1461) are even older.

Almost directly opposite the Pile Gate, on a headland near the city, is the one piece of Dubrovnik’s historic fortifications not linked to the city walls, the Fortress of Lovrijenac, which according to legend was constructed in a mere three months in the early 11th century to prevent the Venetians from building their own fortress there. Above the entrance, the defiant Ragusans inscribed "Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro" ("All the gold in the world cannot buy freedom.")

The Ragusan did spend a great deal of gold preserving freedom themselves, however, and the most elaborate of the fortifications date to the Republic’s Renaissance peak. The largest and most impressive of these is the Minčeta Fortress which resembles a large chess piece. Begun by the Florentine Michelozzo Michelozzi in 1455 on the site of a medieval quadrangle, and completed by Juraj Dalmatinac (the greatest architect of the Croatian Renaissance), it guards the northwest corner of the city, the most obvious route of attack by land. Hard up against the eastern edge of the landward portion of the walls is the Dominican Monastery, built in the early 1300s with civic assistance because of its important role as a fortification.

Just beyond the Monastery is the Ploče Gate, further defended by the Revelin Fortress just outside the walls. Work on both commenced in 1449, although it took until 1539 for the Revelin to be completed. Together with St. John’s Fortress, at the southeast corner of the city, the Revelin defended the harbor. However they were of little use when the Serbian gunboats shelled the harbor in 1991, damage from which is still evident just inside the city’s eastern wall. The seaward southern wall is of more interest for the spectacular views (and photograph opportunities) it offers than its history, although the Michelozzi-designed Bokar Fortress at its western end is a very attractive example of a casemate fort.

If you go to Dubrovnik, and if you are there for anything more than half a day, you will likely walk around the city walls anyway, so in some ways, this journal is redundant.

Having said that and having recommended that you do take the walk, I would offer the following suggestions, which may well be worth considering:

The walls provide a great overview of the city, so if you are in Dubrovnik for a few days or longer, get up on the walls as early in your stay as you can.

The walk takes over an hour and a half, and more than two with children. We did the walk with our four-year-old daughter, though, so don't be put off by having young children. Take plenty of water up with you, and wear a good hat.

The walls are busy, and parts of them are steep, so take your time.

Most locals we spoke to recommended doing the walls in the morning, but given that they don't open until 10am, you are likely to still be up there at midday, so be aware of that.

Having said all that, nothing remains than to recommend that you not skip this attraction. The walls are kept in great condition and are very safe. The views are magnificent, and as with any city wall walks, there is a slightly ridiculous sense of achievement when you have completed the circuit.

A walk along the city walls will surely be the highlight of any trip to Dubrovnik. As one of the foremost walled cities in Europe, the views to be had are amazing. At points, it is almost as if you are suspended over unbelievably azure waters. At other times, it's as if you have stepped back in time 500 years and entered city life as it must have been in the Middle Ages. Several tour companies run (pricey) guided walks along the walls, but the intrepid traveler will go it alone for the entrance fee of only a few dollars.

The easiest way to access the city walls is from the stairs at the beginning of the Placa, near the Pile Gate. The stairs are steep and the walk itself is vigorous. This is not to be recommended for those who aren't up to stairs or a good brisk walk. At points, the wind can be treacherous as well. Make sure to keep a good grip on the ledge! The walls themselves range from a few meters to 6 meters thick.

As you walk along the 11th century walls, you will be lead out over the Adriatic, from where you can see the Minceta fortress, the Bokar fortress, and the Lovrijenac fortress. Along the walls, you will peer down onto the rooftops of the city and peek into the apartments and business of the old town. Feel free to stop off at a cafe for a spot of tea as you make your way around the city.

The walk along the city walls should not be rushed. Plan on a few hours, at a minimum, to take in the sights. There is a maritime museum and aquarium accessible from the walls as well. I prefer to do the walk early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the sun is not so brutal at that point. Even in winter, the sun beating down will heat you up. If you make the walk alone, be sure to bring along a guidebook or map. There aren't clear designations on the walk to clue you into the name or significance of the various buildings, forts, etc.