Far in the south of Croatia on the Adriatic Sea lies the wonderful city of Dubrovnik. Nestled along the rolling hills of the region, the city is hardly inferior to any other Croatian city in terms of beauty. Houses line up against the Mediterranean landscape and offer a wonderful view of the small city. However, Dubrovnik on the coast is surrounded by high walls that have existed since the 8th century. And that’s exactly what we want to take a closer look at!
The Dubrovnik City Walls are one of the city’s best sights and should definitely be on your list when visiting southern Croatia. They bring together centuries of cultural significance that you can experience first hand. Stroll along the walls for an unforgettable experience and wonderful views of the city and surrounding hills.
The city walls were not built overnight, nor in a day. Their construction took many centuries until they provided sufficient protection from the sea and the mainland. The long stone wall stretches for around two kilometers along Dubrovnik’s harbor and is therefore a historical monument that you will definitely not miss.
While the city now lies far outside the walls and they no longer serve any real defensive purpose, they give Dubrovnik’s Old Town a wonderfully ancient charm. As you walk along the streets or wander through some of the alleys, you will always have the majestic wall in sight.
You can access the wall from various points. But don’t worry, you can walk around the entire length and not miss anything. A walk along the wall will give you a unique view of Dubrovnik’s old town, as the path leads over the terracotta roofs of the many Mediterranean buildings. Sometimes the path is only three meters wide, and in the next step it opens up to an impressive viewing platform that lets you look out towards the Adriatic.
A complete circuit will take you about one to two hours, and you should definitely make the time! The UNESCO World Heritage Site invites you to take wonderful snapshots for your holiday album from every angle. From the highest point you are a full twenty-five meters above sea level! Whether the view is of the sea or towards the city, no one will get bored on a walk.
A little insider tip: It’s best to come as early as possible so that your tour isn’t disturbed by other tourists. This way you can also avoid the hot midday sun, as there are no shady spots on the city wall.
There are also many historical highlights along the city walls that will enrich your walk. Worth mentioning are the Ploče Gate and the Pile Gate ; with their medieval charm, they give you access to the old town. At the northernmost point, the Minčeta Fortress is the highest vantage point and a breathtaking photo opportunity. The Bokar Fortress in the west and the Sveti Ivan Fortress on the southern coast, on the other hand, provide wonderful insight into the former military use of the city walls and their incomparable strength.
Both the walls and the fortifications are in wonderful condition despite their age. They hide a history that goes back thousands of years and is waiting to be discovered by you. Feel free to share your experiences of the city walls with us in the comments or on Facebook!
