Discover the secrets within Dubrovnik’s medieval city walls

Dubrovnik, Croatia is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. From the stunning views of the Adriatic Sea to the vibrant colors of the architecture, Dubrovnik has something to offer everyone. But there's something even more special within its city walls - a hidden world of incredible experiences and attractions.

From the iconic Revelin nightclub to the charming gatehouses, towers, bars, and restaurants, Dubrovnik's city walls hold a wealth of secrets waiting to be explored. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the amazing things you can find inside Dubrovnik's city walls.

A history of Dubrovnik's walls

Dubrovnik's walls are one of the most impressive and well-preserved fortifications in Europe. Built as a defensive system, they have been standing for centuries and are a testament to the city's rich history. The walls encompass almost two kilometers of Dubrovnik’s old city, encircling its palaces, churches, and other buildings.

The walls of Dubrovnik have gone through numerous transformations throughout their history. The first fortification was erected by the Romans in the 4th century AD, however it was destroyed in the 7th century when it was invaded by Slavic tribes.

In the 9th century, the city was restored and rebuilt with wooden palisades and towers. In the 11th century, Dubrovnik began its great project of replacing the wooden fortifications with stone walls and towers.

The existing medieval walls were built in the 13th century during a period of great economic prosperity in the city. This grandiose construction effort included Revelin Fortress, Bokar Fortress, Minceta Tower, St. Lawrence’s Fortress, St. John’s Fortress and more. In addition to providing defense for the city, these fortresses also served as lookout points for potential enemies on the sea and land.

Today, Dubrovnik’s walls are a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the fortifications and discover what is hiding inside them. Despite centuries of wars and invasions, Dubrovnik’s walls still stand tall, a living reminder of its rich and tumultuous past.

Dubrovnik’s Walls in Game of Thrones

The city of Dubrovnik has been immortalized in the hit TV show Game of Thrones. The city's famous walls are featured in the show as King's Landing, the home of the Iron Throne. The walls of Dubrovnik have become so iconic that fans of the show have flocked to Dubrovnik to see them for themselves.

In the show, the walls are used to depict a variety of scenes, from the epic Battle of Blackwater Bay to the grand and bustling city of King's Landing. The walls also served as a backdrop for many other memorable moments, including Cersei Lannister's famous walk of atonement.

The walls in Game of Thrones were mostly filmed in the area around Fort Lovrijenac, which stands just outside the city walls of Dubrovnik. While some of the scenes were shot on location, others were filmed on sets built in Northern Ireland.

Regardless of how they were created, there is no doubt that the walls of Dubrovnik provided the perfect setting for the events and stories that unfold in Game of Thrones. Now, millions of fans around the world can come and experience the walls for themselves.

Join in the excitement with a comprehensive Game of Thrones walking tour of Dubrovnik, with a local expert pointing out key scenes and famous backdrops as you explore the city walls.

Read next: The best things to do in Dubrovnik

The gatehouses

Revelin Gatehouse on Dubrovnik's city walls

Dubrovnik's city walls have been standing since the 13th century, protecting the city from invaders and now providing a stunning backdrop to explore. Inside the walls are several gatehouses that give you access to different sections of the wall.

The most iconic gatehouse is the Revelin, located in the main entrance to the city walls, offering incredible views of the sea and Old Town. Other gatehouses include the Ploce Gate, which gives you access to the Old Town and Stradun, and the Pile Gate, which provides access to the popular beach area.

Each of the gatehouses has its own unique architecture and history. The Revelin Gate is an impressive sight, with its Gothic arches and carved stone figures of lions. The Ploce Gate is made up of two towers, with a drawbridge in between that was once used to keep out intruders. The Pile Gate is a more modern structure, but still provides a great view of the harbor and Old Town.

Exploring these gatehouses will give you a better understanding of Dubrovnik's past, as well as a unique insight into how the city has evolved over time. Whether you're looking for an amazing night out or just a great view of the city, the gatehouses of Dubrovnik's city walls will not disappoint.

Towers and forts

Dubrovnik's city walls are home to a variety of towers and forts that have been built to protect the city from attack. The Minceta Tower is the highest and most impressive of these towers, standing at 45 meters tall and acting as a symbol of Dubrovnik's strength.

The Bokar Fortress, also known as St. John's Fortress, was constructed in the 15th century and is located close to the city's old port. It was built to protect the port from invasion and has now become a popular tourist attraction.

The Revelin Fortress is located inside the walls and is one of the most popular spots in Dubrovnik, as it contains a number of bars and clubs. Built in the 16th century, it is a great place to spend the night partying!

The Lovrjenac Fortress, which was built in the 12th century, is situated on a 37-meter high rock outside the walls of the city. This fortress played an important role in Dubrovnik's defense and has been used for a variety of events, such as concerts and festivals.

No matter what you're looking for, Dubrovnik's city walls are sure to have something special for everyone. From ancient fortresses and towers to modern nightlife, there's plenty to discover hidden inside Dubrovnik's walls.

Bars and restaurants

When it comes to the bars and restaurants hiding inside Dubrovnik's city walls, there's something for everyone. Revelin Nightclub is one of the more popular spots among locals and tourists alike. This trendy club can be found right at the entrance of the city walls, making it easy to access.

Other great spots include Buza Bar, where you can enjoy some spectacular views while sipping a cocktail. There are also several restaurants just inside the city walls that offer a variety of local and international cuisines. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a quick snack on the go, you'll be sure to find something that fits your tastes.

Finally, no visit to Dubrovnik would be complete without a stroll down Stradun, the main street inside the city walls. Here you'll find plenty of outdoor bars and restaurants to sit back and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Dubrovnik city wall secrets

Dubrovnik's city walls are filled with interesting things to discover beyond the gatehouses, towers and forts, bars and restaurants. Inside the walls, visitors can explore Revelin nightclub, an old castle, a former Jewish synagogue and other hidden gems.

Revelin’s Culture Club nightclub is located inside one of the many gatehouses on the walls. Built in 16th century, it's become a popular nightlife spot for locals and tourists alike. The club features regular DJ events and live music performances.

Lovrjenac Fortress is another hidden gem in Dubrovnik's walls. The fortress is situated in a bay and overlooks the sea. It was built in the 15th century and served as a defensive position against invading forces. Today, it's a popular attraction and visitors can take guided tours of the fortress and its many secret passageways.

The old Jewish synagogue is another interesting place to visit inside the city walls. The synagogue dates back to the 16th century and is one of the few remaining examples of Sephardic Jewish architecture in Croatia. It's open to the public for tours and visitors can learn about the history of Dubrovnik's Jewish community.

Finally, there are plenty of other hidden gems to explore inside Dubrovnik's city walls. Visitors can explore old churches, archaeological sites, and historic buildings from different eras. Each location is filled with history and stories of days gone by, making Dubrovnik a must-visit destination for those looking to explore something different.