Step through Pile Gate and discover Dubrovnik's Old Town at your own pace on this self-guided audio walking tour. Follow the streets of the former Republic of Ragusa, a maritime power that rivalled Venice for centuries, and hear the stories behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site, nicknamed the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Wander Stradun, the marble-paved main street, and visit the Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Large Fountain and the Old Synagogue, among Europe's oldest. Your guide also points out Game of Thrones filming locations, including King's Landing and the Red Keep.
Download the VoiceMap app, start whenever you like, and avoid the big guided groups. Explore with offline audio, maps and local commentary.
Highlights:
- Dubrovnik's Old Town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
- The Republic of Ragusa was an independent maritime state from the 13th century until 1808.
- Onofrio's Large Fountain (1438) was fed by an aqueduct carrying water 12km into the city.
Start: Pile Gate to the Old town, Vrata od Pila street, Dubrovnik The starting point for the tour is outside city walls and Pile gate, at the beginning of the stone bridge that is in front of the gate.
Approximately 268m back to the starting point.
Start your journey beneath the imposing Pile Gate, the guardian of Dubrovnik's historical core. As its massive doors unfold, delve into the Old Town's captivating history, marked by tales of the Republic of Ragusa, as you step into the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take in the formidable Lovrijenac Fortress, a symbol of Dubrovnik's military might. Perched on a rugged cliff, this bastion echoes tales of strategic importance and has stood resilient against historical adversaries.
Pause at Big Onofrio's Fountain on Poljana Paska Miličevića Square. Take a sip from its source, fed by the Ombla, one of the world's shortest rivers. Let this unexpected detail intertwine with the historical narrative of Dubrovnik's Golden Age.
Explore the serene Franciscan Church and Monastery, witnessing the echoes of centuries within its walls. Discover the rich history and cultural significance as you delve into the treasures of the Franciscan Monastery Museum.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Gundulić’s Square, adorned with the statue of poet Ivan Gundulić. Experience the heart of Dubrovnik's daily life and its historical market, Gundulić’s square.
Ascend the Jesuit Stairs to the Church of St. Ignatius, gaining a panoramic view of the Old Town. Relish in the tranquility of this elevated vantage point.
Pause at the historic Clock Tower, a timeless sentinel in Luža Square. Allow its chimes to transport you through the centuries as you absorb the atmosphere of this central hub.
Climb the Jesuit Stairs to reach the resplendent Church of St. Ignatius. From this elevated vantage point, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Old Town and absorb the tranquility that permeates the surroundings.
Gaze toward the majestic Srđ Mountain, providing a picturesque backdrop to the city. Capture the essence of Dubrovnik's landscape and its harmonious blend of historical treasures against the natural beauty of Srđ.
This is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin built after the great earthquake, because the original one was completely destroyed in the disaster. The original Cathedral was partially built with the money contributed by the English king Richard the Lion Heart in gratitude for surviving shipwreck nearby on his return from the Third Crusade. The southern wind called jugo that put Richard's ship in danger was disliked even on the land. During the former Republic of Dubrovnik, city officials avoided meetings and decision-making on a day with jugo wind because they said that the wind impaired their judgement. Even today, many people get moody and have a headache when jugo blows.
This is the old city port. The building on your left was the medieval Arsenal shipyard: sea-trade and shipbuilding drove the Republic's economy, and by the 16th century Dubrovnik had some 4,000 sailors, its fleet rivalling Venice's. Shipwrights built sturdy, simple "argosies" from wood, lasting up to 40 years; by the late 18th century the fleet numbered 230 ships crossing the Atlantic, backed by consulates in over 80 cities. Further left, across the port, stands Revelin fortress, guarding the Ploče gate. Along that shore sits the lazzaretti, a 1600s quarantine building where arrivals waited 30 days to prove they were plague-free; Dubrovnik set up Europe's first quarantine, on a nearby island, in 1377. On the right, the walls reach St John's Fortress, guarding the port from the sea, while a medieval breakwater at its center shelters ships from rough seas and the jugo wind.
This was the Rector's Palace, seat of the Rector who ruled with the Major and Minor Councils and the Senate. Elected by the Major Council for just one month to prevent abuse of power, he lived here during his term, rarely leaving except on official business, and kept the keys to the city gates. Power belonged strictly to the nobility; society split into nobles, wealthy "good citizens" without political rights, and commoners. Built in the 1400s by Onofrio della Cava, architect of the fountain seen earlier, the facade survived the great earthquake while the rest was rebuilt, blending Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. It housed the Rector's chambers, reception halls, armory, watch-house and prison. Today it's a museum with concerts in its atrium; visit after the tour if you like.
Behold Fort Imperial, a sentinel atop Srđ Mountain overlooking Dubrovnik. Delve into its strategic importance and the historical events that unfolded within its walls as you traverse the ancient fortification.
Marvel at the modern engineering marvel, the Dubrovnik Cable Car. As it gracefully ascends Srđ Mountain, witness Dubrovnik's Old Town and the shimmering Adriatic Sea unfold beneath you, offering a mesmerizing perspective of this coastal gem.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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