The
ancient walls surrounding Dubrovnik enclose a labyrinth of magical streets,
fascinating architecture and all sorts of gastronomic discoveries, all of which
combine to make Dubrovnik a truly unique destination. But the magnificent city
walls and the public access to them, is what really makes Dubrovnik different. Here's what I suggest you keep an eye out for while walking Dubrovnik's city walls.
Magnificent
Old Town views
Starting
from near Ploce Gate in the north east corner of the old town, the first
challenge is a steep stone staircase. (Beware - There are lots of steep and
uneven steps). However, as soon as you get to the top the steps were
immediately worth it. With one look to your left the whole of Dubrovnik’s Old
Town lies before you. The bright orange rooftops stretching out to a glittering
Adriatic under a blue sky (if you’re lucky) is a magnificent sight.
 |
| Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia |
Admire
the walls
It
is only once atop Dubrovnik’s city walls that you really appreciate their true
size. Having climbed to an initial height of roughly 25m, you can look down
around you and understand the width of the city walls. These ancient
fortifications are between four and six metres thick, feature four gates, and stretch
roughly 2km around Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
 |
| view from Dubrovnik city walls, Croatia |
Explore
Dubrovnik’s History
Dubrovnik
has existed for centuries, in various forms and with several names. The current
city walls date from the 12th to 17th centuries. They
have survived earthquakes and protected citizens from attacks by invaders. The
towers built along the city walls were constructed to enhance the city’s
defences. The largest is the Minceta Tower; it is the first tower on the walk,
and is considered a symbol of Dubrovnik’s resistance to invasion. The Minceta
Tower is at the north west corner of the Old Town.
 |
| Minceta Tower, Dubrovnik City Walls, Croatia |
Enjoy
glimpses of every day life in Dubrovnik
It's not all grand views though, as
you walk along the top of the walls taking in the views, scenes of every day life
will play out before you. Watch housewives cleaning their homes, and cooking,
children playing, and older folk sitting in the shade watching passersby. I
enjoyed watching this man and cat play a game of ‘catch my toe’ beneath a plank
of wood.
 |
| Cat play in Dubrovnik, Croatia |
One
house that backed up near the city walls proudly displayed this line of washing
too!
 |
| Laundry day in Dubrovnik, Croatia |
Discover
the best swimming spots
Dubrovnik’s
Old Town is not the place to go if you’re looking for a sandy beach (there are
several nearby though). The residents of the Old Town, and visitors staying
there, do fancy a swim occasionally though, and there are some great spots
where you can swim from the rocks on the sea side of Dubrovnik’s city walls.
 |
| Swim off the rocks of Dubrovnik, Croatia |
Have the view all to yourself
Another
advantage of walking Dubrovnik’s city walls is the access to several wall-top
cafes and restaurants with spectacular views over the Adriatic or the Old Town.
It is well worth planning the timing of your walk so that you can take
advantage of these lovely spots that are usually fairly quiet, compared to
street level in the Old Town anyway.
 |
| Restaurant on top of the Dubrovnik city walls, Croatia |
See
Dubrovnik from every angle
Since
the city walls encircle Dubrovnik’s Old Town, walking along the top of them really
does offer fantastic views, but it is not just one view. As you proceed around
the walls you can really enjoy seeing Dubrovnik from every angle. Photographers
will love that they can capture Dubrovnik’s rooftops towards the sea, towards
the land, and of course from above. You can also capture views inside and
outside the walls.
 |
| Dubrovnik Harbour, Croatia |
Visitor
info
- Entry
costs roughly US $20 and last entry to the walls is at 7pm
- Main
entry point to the walls is near Ploce Gate, in the north east corner of the
Old Town
- Wear
good and comfortable shoes – ancient stones and steps can be uneven and 2km
could seem a long way if your shoes rub
- Wear
a hat and/or sun cream – in summer it gets especially hot and there is little
shade available on top of the walls
- Take
water – a few locals casually sell bottled drinks along the walls, but who
knows if you can rely on them being there
- Don't forget your camera!
