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.