Walls of Dubrovnik

The Walls of Dubrovnik are a nearly continuous system of defensive stone walls surrounding the historic core of Dubrovnik on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast; the surviving fortifications were constructed and rebuilt mainly between the 12th and 17th centuries. The Old City encircled by the walls is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A complete walk along the battlements covers roughly 1.9 to 2.0 kilometres and rises up to about 25 metres above sea level on the seaward side. Key features seen from the ramparts include round towers, bastions, and the harbour-facing fortifications, and there are panoramic views across the Adriatic and the tiled roofs of the Old City. Access to the walkway is ticketed, and many visitors tour the walls early or late in the day to avoid the busiest times.

The walls were built, maintained, and modified by the Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik) over several centuries to defend the city-state and its harbour. Major construction phases took place in the medieval and early modern periods; the complex remained a primary defensive structure through the Ottoman era and was repaired after damage from the 1667 earthquake.

The fortifications ring the historic core on a rocky headland on the Adriatic coast of southern Croatia, immediately adjacent to the modern city of Dubrovnik. The ramparts sit above the old harbour and are visible from across the channel and from the city beaches.

• Ramparts access: Ticketed walkway provides a continuous loop of roughly 1.9 to 2.0 kilometres along the top of the walls, with steep steps and narrow sections in places.
• Film location: Numerous scenes were filmed here for the TV series Game of Thrones, which is why some sections are especially busy during peak season.

What to See #

• City ramparts: Runs around the perimeter of the medieval **Old City of Dubrovnik**, forming a near-continuous fortified circuit with accessible ramparts and several prominent bastions and towers, including a large round tower at the north and seaward fortifications to the west and south.
• Fort Lovrijenac (outside the walls): A detached fortress on a rocky promontory west of the harbour that helped defend the port and the seaward approaches to the wall system.
• Minčeta Tower: A round tower that dominates the northern section of the walls and is one of the most visible features from the city below.
• Bokar and St. John Fortresses: A pair of seaward fortifications guarding the harbour entrance with artillery positions facing the sea.
• Revelin Fortress: A large fortress protecting the eastern gate into the harbour area, forming part of the outer defensive enceinte.