The western entrance to the Old Town (1537) with a stone bridge, a former drawbridge and a statue of St Blaise above the arch.
Pile Gate is the main western entrance to the walled Old Town of Dubrovnik, on the Adriatic coast of Croatia's Dubrovnik-Neretva region. The outer gate dates from 1537 and sits at the end of a stone bridge that crosses the former moat; an inner gate, reached through a second passage with a sharp turn, was designed to slow attackers. Above the outer arch stands a statue of St Blaise, the city's patron saint, holding a model of Dubrovnik. A wooden drawbridge once raised each night and the mechanism can still be seen. Passing through the inner gate, visitors emerge onto the lower end of Stradun, with the Large Onofrio Fountain on the right and the entrance to the City Walls just inside, to the left of the fountain. The gate sees heavy traffic because Pile is the terminus for city buses from Gruz, Lapad and Babin Kuk, so it is the first place most visitors see. A visit to the gate itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, which includes the bridge and a look at the carved details. The best photo angles are from the bridge looking back at the arch and from Brsalje street looking up at the fortifications and Fort Lovrijenac on its rock beyond the moat. The gate has been used as a filming location for television productions set in the fictional city of King's Landing, which adds to the crowds in summer. Entry is free and the gate is open at all hours. The busiest period is from about 10:00 to 16:00, when tour groups queue to enter the walls, and the quietest is early morning, when the light on the pale stone is soft and the passage is almost empty. Evening visits give a warm glow and fewer coaches.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Typical visit | 10-15 minutes |
| Best time | Early morning before tour groups arrive |
| Getting there | Pile is the main bus hub for the Old Town; Libertas city buses (libertasdubrovnik.hr) from Gruz bus station, Lapad and Babin Kuk terminate at Pile; single kiosk ticket EUR 1.73 (~$2), valid 60 minutes, higher cash fare from the driver |
| Address | Brsalje / Pile, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia |
Location
Brsalje / Pile, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia
42.6416, 18.1065 View on map
Highlights
- Stone bridge over the dry moat leading to the 1537 outer gate
- Statue of St Blaise above the arch
- Inner gate passage with a sharp turn built to slow attackers
- Views of Fort Lovrijenac from Brsalje
- Direct access to the City Walls ticket office and Stradun
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 09:00 for photographs without crowds
- Buy City Walls tickets near the gate early, as queues build by mid-morning
- Libertas buses stop at Pile, so use them rather than walking from Lapad
- Watch for pickpockets in the gate passage during peak hours
- Photograph the arch from the bridge to include the St Blaise statue
When to visit
Early morning before the tour groups arrive, or in the evening when the stone is lit. Midday in summer is the busiest.
Accessibility
The bridge and gate passage are generally step-free, but the stone surfaces are uneven and the inner passage is narrow with a turn. Wheelchair users can usually enter the Old Town here, though crowds make it difficult at midday.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Pile Gate take?
The gate itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. Most visitors continue straight onto Stradun or the City Walls.
Is there an entry fee?
No. The gate is a public passage open at all hours.
Is photography allowed?
Yes. The best views are from the bridge and from Brsalje street.