Fodor's Expert Review City Walls

Dubrovnik's city walls define the Old Town and are one of the world's most stunning architectural achievements. A walk along the top is the ultimate Dubrovnik must-do for the magnificent views of the sea and Lokrum Island outside the walls and the terracotta rooftops within. Most of the original construction took place during the 13th century, though the walls were further reinforced with towers and bastions over the next 400 years. The walls completely encircle the Old Town as part of a fortification system that also includes four gates, including the Pile and Ploče Gates (the main entrances and exits to the Old Town), and four towers, including the freestanding Lovrijenac Fortress to the west and the Minčeta Tower toward the land. On average, the walls are 80 feet high and 2 km (1¼ miles) long, 10 feet thick on the seaward side, 20 feet thick on the inland side; the inland walls are thicker because when they were constructed, the largest threat came from the Turks who might attack from that direction (ironically they got the direction right, but not the source: it was Napoléon, attacking from the inland fortress atop Mt. Srđ, who finally conquered the Republic). The entire circuit takes a couple of hours if you stop for photos and maybe a drink along the way; note that it involves many stairs up and down, and is best done in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. Tickets can be purchased at the main entrance inside the Pile Gate.