Pile Gate is the main western entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, leading from the bus hub at Brsalje into Stradun and the walled streets. Pause to look at its stone arches, bridge and statue of St. Blaise before continuing inside. The gateway also appears in Game of Thrones, including scenes set in King’s Landing. It is a useful starting point for a walk through the Old Town or a tour of the city walls, though the entrance gets busy during the day.
Two gates and a former drawbridge
Pile Gate stands at the western entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Its inner and outer sections form a fortified passage through the city walls. The outer gate dates to 1537, while the inner gate was built in 1460. A stone bridge leads across the former moat to the entrance.
A wooden drawbridge once completed the approach. It was raised at night using a system of pulleys and counterweights, closing the way into the city. The moat has since dried up. Look above the gates for statues of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint. The inner passage leads into the Old Town and out onto Stradun, the main street.
A first walk through the Old Town
After passing through the gate, take a moment to orient yourself on Stradun. The broad pedestrian street runs through the centre of the Old Town, with narrow lanes branching off it. Onofrio’s Fountain and St. Saviour Church are close to the entrance; the fountain was built in 1438 to bring water to the city from a spring 12 kilometres away.
Pile Gate is a practical meeting point for walking tours and a starting place for exploring on your own. From here, you can follow Stradun toward squares, churches and museums, or turn into the smaller streets. The Old Town is a pedestrian area, so plan to continue on foot once you arrive.
Pile Gate on screen
Game of Thrones fans may recognise the entrance and nearby streets as King’s Landing. Pile Gate appears in scenes from the second and third seasons, including the riot in which a crowd attacks King Joffrey. Nearby filming locations include West Harbour and Fort Lovrijenac, which represented Blackwater Bay and the Red Keep.
The real gateway remains a working entrance to the Old Town, so filming locations sit amid everyday foot traffic. For a closer look, pay attention to the passage between the gates and the streets just inside. The setting is easy to combine with a wider walk around the Old Town’s historical sites.
Using Pile Gate as a starting point
City buses serving the Old Town arrive and depart by Pile Gate, making it a useful arrival point if you are coming from the direction of Gruž, the port and bus station, or the beach areas of Lapad and Babin Kuk. The entrance is also a common meeting place for guided walks.
The city walls can be reached just inside the gate. If you want to walk them, check the current ticket arrangements before setting off. One source of practical guidance notes that holders of a Dubrovnik Card may still need to collect a separate ticket at the ticket office. The walls have other access points, including near Ploče Gate and the Maritime Museum.
Häufige Fragen
Where is Pile Gate in Dubrovnik?
It is on the western side of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, near the bus stops at Brsalje. Passing through it brings you to Stradun, the Old Town’s main street.
What can you see at Pile Gate?
Look for the fortified inner and outer gates, the stone bridge over the former moat and statues of St. Blaise. Onofrio’s Fountain and St. Saviour Church are nearby inside the Old Town.
Was Game of Thrones filmed at Pile Gate?
Yes. Pile Gate and nearby locations were used for scenes set in King’s Landing, including the riot involving King Joffrey.
How long should you allow for Pile Gate?
Allow about 20 minutes to look over the gateway. Add more time if you plan to explore the Old Town or walk the city walls.
