Dubrovnik City Walls circle the Old Town, a nearly 2-kilometre route over stone ramparts, towers and forts. From above, you can look across terracotta rooftops and church towers towards the Adriatic, with changing views at each turn. The walk also passes Game of Thrones filming locations and includes access to Fort Lovrijenac with the wall ticket. Cafes along the route give you a place to pause, though the many stairs make comfortable shoes essential.
A circuit above the Old Town
The walls follow an irregular route around Dubrovnik’s historic centre. Their full length is about 1,940 metres, and some sections rise as high as 25 metres. The fortifications include towers, bastions and forts, built and strengthened over several centuries to defend the city by land and sea.
The route gives you a changing view rather than a single lookout. On one side are the close-set roofs, streets and church towers of the Old Town; on the other, the Adriatic and the coastline beyond. At points along the seaward side, white stone drops towards the water. From the higher sections, the layout of the historic centre becomes easier to read.
Fortifications and filming locations
The walls took their present shape through construction and reinforcement from the 13th to the 17th centuries. Their towers and defensive structures reflect the importance of protecting Dubrovnik, a maritime republic, from attacks approaching over land or sea. The ramparts remain a practical way to see the scale of the Old Town’s fortifications up close.
Look out for Minčeta Tower, one of the prominent points on the circuit, and Fort Bokar, which forms part of the walls. Several locations along the route appeared in Game of Thrones as parts of King’s Landing. The real city and its fortifications are the main draw, but fans of the series may recognise scenes and viewpoints as they walk.
Planning the walk
You can walk the circuit at your own pace, stopping for photographs or a break. The many stairs make the route more demanding than a level stroll, so supportive shoes are useful. Cafes along the way provide places to pause; if you are visiting with children, bring food and water, since a seat may not be available when it is busy.
There are three entrances: near Pile Gate, St John’s Fortress by the Maritime Museum, and Ploče Gate. The Maritime Museum entrance involves fewer steps on the climb up. Start early or go near sunset to avoid the midday heat and crowds. Tickets are recommended in advance, and a Dubrovnik Pass may suit a trip that includes several attractions.
Fort Lovrijenac access
Your City Walls ticket also includes entry to Fort Lovrijenac for three days. This makes it possible to visit the fort separately instead of fitting both stops into one stretch of sightseeing. Check the ticket conditions when planning your route, and keep your ticket available for the visit.
FAQ
How long does it take to walk Dubrovnik’s City Walls?
Allow about 1 to 2.5 hours for the circuit, depending on your pace and how often you stop.
Does the City Walls ticket include Fort Lovrijenac?
Yes. The ticket includes access to Fort Lovrijenac for three days.
Where can you enter the City Walls?
There are entrances near Pile Gate, St John’s Fortress by the Maritime Museum, and Ploče Gate. The Maritime Museum entrance has fewer steps for the climb up.
