Attraction
City Walls of Dubrovnik
Almost two kilometres of medieval ramparts wrapped around Dubrovnik's Old Town, walkable in a full circuit with views over terracotta roofs and the open Adriatic.
Old Port of Dubrovnik
The small walled harbour on the eastern side of the Old Town, shaped in the 15th century and guarded by St John's Fortress and Revelin.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic harbour
- Area
- Old Town, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Good to know
- Free
- Boat departures
- Waterfront cafés
Why we recommend it
The Old Port is the small harbour tucked against the eastern side of the Old Town, and for centuries it was the reason Dubrovnik existed. The Republic of Ragusa grew rich on maritime trade, and this basin, protected by walls, forts and breakwaters, was where its ships were built, repaired and sheltered. Today it is where boats leave for Lokrum, Cavtat and the Elaphiti Islands, and its quays make one of the most pleasant walks in the city.
The harbour took its present shape in the 15th century under the master builder Paskoje Miličević. Two gates connect it with the Old Town: the Ponte Gate of 1476 and the Fish Market Gate of 1381. At night a chain was stretched across the entrance from the St Luke tower to St John's Fortress. St John's Fortress, first built in the 14th century to defend the harbour, still dominates its southern side, and together with Revelin on the northern side it covered the approaches with crossfire. The Kaše breakwater, built in 1485, protected the basin from the open sea and from any ship trying to force an entry; the Porporela pier was added in 1873.
The most striking buildings on the quay are the arches of the Arsenal, a shipyard where the Republic's galleys were built and repaired. The vaulted halls date back to the 12th century and were enlarged in the 15th; today part of the space houses a café, and small boats are still worked on along the harbour. St John's Fortress contains the Maritime Museum of the Dubrovnik Museums group, which tells the story of the Republic's shipping, and an aquarium run by the Institute for Marine and Coastal Research.
The port is free to walk around at any time. Come in the early evening, when the day boats have returned and the light softens on the walls, and walk out along the Porporela pier for a view back over the harbour. The quays are flat, but watch for mooring lines and steps close to the water's edge.
Reach the harbour through the Ponte Gate from Luža Square or the passage beside the Rector's Palace. The Luža ticket office for the Lokrum boat is in the port, and the Ploče Gate and Revelin Fortress are a short walk north.
Old Port of Dubrovnik FAQs
Which boats leave from the Old Port?
Boats to Lokrum and excursion and taxi boats to places such as Cavtat and the Elaphiti Islands leave from the harbour.
What was the Arsenal?
A shipyard where the Republic's galleys were built and repaired; part of it is now a café.
What is inside St John's Fortress?
The Maritime Museum of Dubrovnik Museums and an aquarium run by the Institute for Marine and Coastal Research.
Is the Old Port free to visit?
Yes. The quays are public and open at all hours.
How do I get there from Stradun?
Walk to Luža Square and go through the Ponte Gate, or take the passage beside the Rector's Palace.
How was the harbour closed at night?
A chain was stretched across the entrance from the St Luke tower to St John's Fortress.
When was the harbour built?
It took its present form in the 15th century under Paskoje Miličević; the Kaše breakwater dates from 1485.
Is the Maritime Museum open in winter?
Yes. From November to March it opens with shorter hours and is closed on Wednesdays.