Pile Gate
Pile Gate is a grand entrance into Dubrovnik’s Old Town, on its western wall.
Built in 1537 to protect the city from invaders and monitor trade, Pile Gate was originally reached via a wooden drawbridge, which was raised every evening, the gate locked and the key handed to the prince in an elaborate ceremony.
Pile Gate has an outer and inner gate with statues of St. Blaise, the city’s patron saint. The St. Blaise statue in the niche of the interior arch is the handiwork 20th-century Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. You’ll also find an old door here that dates back to 1460.
You’ll need to pay a small entrance fee to enter the Lapad (Old Town) area via the gate. As you pass over the stone bridge towards the outer gate you’ll notice a green space below. This space used to be the moat, another defence mechanism to deter those who wished to infiltrate the city.
Practical Info
As you pass between the gates you’ll notice a commemorative plaque that indicates the extent of the damage caused during the Siege of Dubrovnik in 1991 and 1992.
Pile Gate is the main tourist gateway into the Lapad area and most city buses stop here.
Tours & Tickets
Viator Exclusive: 'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
See the Dubrovnik locations used in the hit TV series ‘Game of Thrones’ on this 3-hour Viator Exclusive that can’t be booked anywhere else! With an expert ... Read more
Location:
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Duration: 3- 4.5 hours
Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour
Get an insider’s view of Dubrovnik on this city walking tour. The perfect way to get to know Dubrovnik, this is a must-do introductory tour for new visitors, ... Read more
Location:
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Duration: 90 minutes (approx.)
