City Wall

The wall is Dubrovnik's marquee attraction, and no visit to the area is complete without at least a partial walk around the top of the medieval fortification. The wall and its fortresses and towers are works of art; they undulate around Old Town in a protective embrace, creating an architectural frame for the historic city like none other. As you make the 2km (1 1/4-mile) circuit atop the wall, which is 25m (82 ft.) high and 6m (18 ft.) thick at some points, greater Dubrovnik and its landmark rooftops are visible from every conceivable angle with tourists and residents below going about their lives, jumping into the Adriatic off the wall's rocky base, or dining at restaurants set on outcroppings. It takes about an hour to complete the walk around the wall, depending on how often you feel compelled to snap photos.

You can access the wall at three points: just inside the Pile Gate, near the Maritime Museum/St. John's Fortress, and near the Dominican Monastery at the Ploce Gate. From this point, you can choose a route around the wall's entire perimeter or half that distance. If you start at the Pile Gate entrance, take an immediate left as you enter Old Town and walk up a steep flight of stairs through an arch topped by a statue of St. Blaise. If you want to do the entire 360-degree stroll, continue straight up toward the Minceta Tower, which is recognizable by its distinctive "crown." If you decide on the partial walk, halfway up the stairs you'll have to do a 180 from the stairs via a small landing to reach the wall, and you'll end your walk near St. John's Fortress on the south side. The 16th century Revelin Fort is on the eastern side of the wall above the Ploce Gate; and the 15th-century Bokar Fortress, which guarded against sea incursions, is at the southwestern corner across from the Lovrijenac Fortress.

Tip: The Heat -- When Dubrovnik's temperature is above 80°F (27°C) -- the average temperature there May through September -- tackle the wall when it opens at 9am or wait until after 5pm. Besides being atop a high roof, you'll be standing on an unshaded stone path that absorbs the sun's heat from dawn to dusk, and you'll be "cooked" from above and below. At the very least, wear a hat and take a large bottle of water.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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