The historic partitions are one purpose why a go to to Dubrovnik is so particular, enclosing the Previous City with its red-roofed medieval buildings and towering above the cliffs overlooking the Adriatic sea – so no matter else you do throughout your time within the metropolis, you shouldn’t miss an opportunity to stroll the Dubrovnik partitions with youngsters.
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However that is one Croatia household attraction which wants a bit extra planning to take pleasure in. It’s doable even with youthful youngsters, however to get essentially the most out of Dubrovnik’s partitions with youngsters, I’ve pulled collectively all my suggestions to make sure it’s memorable for all the suitable causes.
So whether or not you’re in search of sensible recommendation about strolling the Dubrovnik partitions with youngsters, data on what you possibly can see and do alongside the way in which or need to get your loved ones excited with just a few pictures from the route, right here’s all it’s worthwhile to learn about visiting the Dubrovnik metropolis partitions with youngsters.
Why go to Dubrovnik metropolis partitions with youngsters
Dubrovnik merely wouldn’t be the identical with out its large partitions encircling the city – whereas town has expanded past its limits, there’s a sense you’re stepping again in historical past once you stroll via one of many gates.
It’s additionally stored out everybody from the Venetians, jealous of Dubrovnik’s wealth and commerce, to varied different attackers through the years – though some, just like the Ottomans, had been purchased off fairly than fought off.
Even when your youngsters couldn’t care much less in regards to the historical past, it’s a stroll to recollect with some wonderful views over to the ocean, in addition to down onto the roofs of the city, to little bars clinging to the cliffs and cats sunbathing.
We even managed to identify an space the place they had been engaged on renovations… the partitions themselves survived the earthquake of 1677, in addition to the Balkans battle within the Nineteen Nineties, to not point out the arrival of Napoleon’s military in between.
Town’s earliest stone partitions are thought thus far again as early because the eighth century, however by the thirteenth century town was utterly surrounded by the defensive fortications.
The partitions themselves stretch for 2km, whereas the defences as a complete embrace 16 towers, three fortresses, plus moats, drawbridges, turrets and different fortifications.
A Unesco World Heritage Website since 1979, the unique partitions used white limestone from a close-by quarry, with a mixture of seaweed, eggshells and sand for the mortar. It’s mentioned that town’s ruling physique as soon as insisted that each customer to the Previous City introduced a stone to assist strengthen them.
In some locations, they’re now 6m thick and stretch as excessive as 25m. These undoubtedly weren’t only for show. You’re unlikely to face any threats other than crowds, perhaps a seagull, but when your creativeness doesn’t race with ideas of marauders, battles, heroics and daring deeds, your kids’s in all probability can be.
As with so many locations in Dubrovnik, there are hyperlinks to Sport of Thrones in case it’s worthwhile to persuade any older teenagers to take the stroll – Fort Minceta was used for Qarth’s Home of the Timeless, whereas Tyrion Lannister defended King’s Touchdown from the seaward partitions in the course of the Battle of the Blackwater, and close by Fort Lawrence – a separate a part of the defences – was the Purple Hold (after various CGI).
You’ll additionally discover numerous household points of interest alongside the Dubrovnik metropolis partitions, though with the ever-changing view, probability to go to Fort Minceta and even little cafes to cease at alongside the way in which, there’s a lot to maintain everybody entertained.
How you can go to the Dubrovnik partitions with youngsters
There are numerous alternative ways you possibly can discover the Dubrovnik metropolis partitions with youngsters, whether or not you favor to discover simply a part of the partitions, be a part of a guided tour or head out to benefit from the views at your individual tempo. Right here’s what it’s worthwhile to know earlier than you head up.
Is it free to go to the Dubrovnik Metropolis Partitions?
It’s free for kids below seven to go to the Dubrovnik partitions, however everybody else must pay – and ticket costs are rising often, now 40 Euros for adults, up from 35 Euros in 2024, and 15 Euros for youths aged 7-18.
Again in 2012, it was solely 70 kunas (round 9 Euros) however has been going up steadily annually or two – partly in an try and restrict the quantity of people that go to, and to guard the historic partitions.
If you’re travelling out of season it’s cheaper, at the moment 15 Euros for adults, 5 Euros for youths between November and February.
You should buy them on the ticket workplace simply contained in the Pile Gate entrance (close to the Massive Onofrio Fountain) in addition to on the Ploče Gate and the Maritime museum (though there was no-one in that sales space after we walked previous). Even higher is to purchase them on-line prematurely which helps you to skip the queue on the ticket places of work, and can embrace entry to the fort of St Lawrence.
You’ll nonetheless have to indicate them once you get onto the wall, and should you do begin on the Pile Gate, individuals had been being requested to indicate them once more on the Ploce Gate, though we solely needed to present ours as soon as.
As a substitute of getting tickets for adults, I’d suggest taking a look at a Dubrovnik Cross – the worth for a 24-hour go is identical as entry to the partitions at 40 Euros, so should you go to anything, you’re already saving. It’s at the moment the one Dubrovnik Card accessible, and it’s often considerably dearer to purchase from wherever besides the official website.
With my go, I additionally went to the Maritime Museum, the Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan Monastery, for instance – as charges for youths are completely different if in case you have kids aged 7+, it’s price understanding the associated fee to see whether or not it’s price paying for them individually.
By the way, should you go to the fort of St Lawrence first, the entry gained’t robotically embrace the partitions – you must be capable to improve it, nevertheless it’s rather a lot simpler to get the ticket on the partitions or on-line first (or the Dubrovnik Cross) as that covers each.
You may also be a part of excursions however these don’t usually embrace the price of a ticket onto the partitions, so that you’ll want to purchase that individually – this selection provides you a alternative of setting out early or at sundown whereas this Wars and Partitions strolling tour fills in additional of the historical past as you go.
Each are appropriate for youths, though I’d counsel higher for older youngsters as little ones usually tend to must do the stroll at their very own tempo.
How do I stand up onto the Dubrovnik partitions?
There are a number of methods to stand up onto the partitions however the primary two are beginning on the Pile Gate or the Ploce gate – look out for the little archway within the partitions close to 360 restaurant (there’s a signal as properly, so it’s not onerous to seek out).
In case you’re visiting the Dubrovnik partitions with youngsters (and even should you’re not!), my prime tip is to begin on the Ploce gate because it tends to be quieter, with extra individuals beginning their go to by the Pile Gate. There was no queue for tickets after we visited in late Could, whereas the ticket workplace close to the Pile Gate continually gave the impression to be busy.
The opposite large bonus of beginning the stroll right here is that you simply do the toughest climb firstly, whereas everybody continues to be filled with vitality. It’s not the final set of stairs you’ll encounter nevertheless it will get probably the most strenuous components out of the way in which early on.
There’s a one-way system to discover the partitions, taking everybody round in an anti-clockwise path as the usually slim walkways imply it might be chaos in any other case.
Whichever one you select, save a while to see each major gates. The Pile Gate is neglected by statues of Dubrovnik’s patron saint, St Blaise, with a ramp and steps taking you down from the bridge outdoors to Large Onofrio’s Fountain simply contained in the Previous City.
To enter the Ploce gate, it’s worthwhile to stroll throughout a stone bridge, which has some nice views down onto the boats on the water, as you stroll via a string of arches – you’ll see one other statue of St Blaise right here too. Dubrovnik’s third gate, the Buza Gate, was solely added to the northern wall in 1907.
How lengthy do I must discover the Dubrovnik Partitions with youngsters
We had been informed to permit a minimum of 90 minutes to stroll the whole circuit, however ultimately it took us simply over an hour (together with a brief cease within the Maritime Museum).
You don’t need to be speeding, particularly if it’s sizzling, as the entire level is having sufficient time to absorb the views, climb up into the towers, take a thousand pictures and perhaps cease for an ice cream.
In case you’re visiting early or late, you must keep away from the worst of the crowds too which suggests there gained’t be as many hold-ups – in peak season, there might be 1000’s of individuals exploring the partitions every day, so should you get caught behind a slow-moving group, it’s going to be slower.
It’s properly price checking the cruise ship schedule to see what number of are on account of be docked in Dubrovnik (and what instances they arrive) and to plan your go to on quieter days, because it’s a preferred tour.
What do I must tackle the Dubrovnik Partitions with youngsters
Not a lot – in reality, the much less you must carry round with you, the higher. Water and a hat is all the time a good suggestion, even should you’re visiting outdoors the most popular hours – I actually can’t stress how sizzling it might probably get.
Even in early summer season, the temperatures are already within the excessive 20s by mid-morning and soar even greater in peak summer season. In case you’re visiting in July or August, you actually shouldn’t try and stroll Dubrovnik’s partitions with youngsters at noon!
Solar safety can be important, and sneakers with a great grip. You don’t want mountaineering sneakers or particular strolling sneakers, and open sandals are high-quality in the event that they’re moderately sturdy – we simply wore trainers. It had rained a bit the day earlier than our go to and the limestone can get slippery however you need to be snug.
In any other case there are bogs on the cafes alongside the way in which, and you’ll cease for drinks together with freshly squeezed orange juice, in addition to ice lotions. Realistically you’re not going to be up there for hours on finish, and there are a number of factors the place you would go down should you wanted to, so simply convey the necessities.
Dubrovnik metropolis partitions with youngsters: the highlights
In case you’re nonetheless questioning whether or not it’s price heading as much as the Dubrovnik partitions with youngsters, right here’s what you possibly can anticipate to see alongside the way in which – and having completed the stroll with a 12-year-old, and noticed various different youngsters on the way in which, I can verify that it truly is price doing!
The views
Be ready to take extra pictures than you possibly can depend, as a result of in all places you look, there are unbelievable views.
They’re continually altering too, so that you’ll end up searching throughout the red-roofed tiles to the spires and towers contained in the Previous City, in addition to gazing as much as Mount Srd to look at the cable automotive climb the hill. As you journey additional spherical, you’ll get a glimpse over to St Lawrence’s fortress (aka the Lovrijenac fort) and the little harbour full of kayaks.
On the seaward dealing with stretch of wall, the deep blue Adriatic appears to stretch away endlessly to the horizon – look out for among the little boats zipping via the water, and for Lokrum Island as you attain the stretch near the Dubrovnik Previous Port.
Don’t miss the Buza Bars clinging to the cliffs too – you’ll see the roped-off stretches of water for swimming, ladders down from the rocks and often a minimum of just a few sunbathers too (even when there’s no seaside).
There are a number of spectacular forts and towers alongside the way in which too, together with St Luke’s Tower, close to the Ploce Gate, Fort Minceta, Fort Bokar and the immense Tvrđava Svetog Ivana (or Fort St John) which homes the Maritime Museum and the Aquarium.
There are little spherical guardposts dotted alongside, good for just a few video games of repel the imaginary invaders.
One of many different small delights of a stroll across the partitions is an opportunity to see a style of day by day life for Dubrovnik’s inhabitants – we noticed somebody watering his backyard, cats snoozing within the solar, washing frolicked behind homes, and little shady courtyards. There are numerous small alleys to look via as properly.
The Maritime Museum
At one level, Dubrovnik had the world’s fourth largest fleet – not dangerous going for a tiny republic that you would stroll throughout in about 10 minutes. Their success in commerce led to wealth (and a whole lot of jealousy from the Venetians) so the Maritime Museum is properly price a fast cease.
You’ll go it as you stroll across the partitions, in Fort St John by the harbour (and by one of many entrances to the partitions, though that one wasn’t staffed after we visited). It’s included within the Dubrovnik Cross, so if in case you have certainly one of these, it’s simple to cease in for a brief go searching totally free.
It’s additionally cooler should you want a little bit of a break from the solar, with the whole lot from Roman amphorae unearthed from a shipwreck to fashions of ships, cannons, previous maps, and many extra on the Republic’s historical past.
Dubrovnik aquarium
Dubrovnik Aquarium (or Akvarij) can be housed throughout the metropolis partitions, within the floor flooring of the fort of St John (beneath the Maritime Museum). You don’t really need to be visiting the partitions to go searching right here should you suppose your youngsters would like fish to historical past.
It’s not the most important aquarium, however the setting is unbelievable, with stone rooms and arches to stroll via, and marine life from the Adriatic within the 31 completely different tanks. You possibly can anticipate fish together with scorpion fish, bream, bass and mullets, in addition to eels, lobsters and extra.
It gained’t take too lengthy to go searching until you need to linger at each tank – you’ll in all probability spend round half-hour (or a most of an hour). It’s not included within the Dubrovnik Cross (or a partitions ticket), so that you do want a separate ticket for this.
The Forts
There’s a string of forts which make up extra of Dubrovnik’s historic defences, together with the partitions – some are a part of the partitions themselves, others are separate.
As you stroll across the partitions, you’ll see the smaller spherical fifteenth century Fort Minceta (used as a filming location for Sport of Thrones), in addition to Fort Bokar reverse the Lovrijenac fortress, defending the harbour. Additionally constructed within the fifteenth century, it’s used in the course of the Dubrovnik Summer time Competition for performances.
Fort St John (Svetog Ivana) is big – look out at it from the Previous Port to essentially respect the sheer scale of this block. Constructed within the sixteenth century, that is the place you’ll discover the Maritime Museum and aquarium.
The opposite forts are separate from the partitions themselves. Fort Lawrence (or Fort Lovrijenac) is included in your Dubrovnik Partitions ticket (or the Dubrovnik Cross), with some nice views again onto the city and the partitions from its place 37m up. There’s typically out of doors theatre and live shows going down within the countyard in summer season, and it doubled because the Purple Hold in Sport of Thrones (with some assist from CGI).
DUBROVNIK TRAVEL TRIVIA: The inhabitants of Dubrovnik had been impressed to constructed the Lovrijenac fort by the Venetians – their buying and selling rivals, who noticed the strategic potential simply outdoors the republic’s partitions, and had been planning to assemble a fort there themselves. Spurred on by this risk, the primary fort went up in only a few months – besides solely the seaward facet was inbuilt stone, the remainder was wooden and intelligent camouflage. It labored. The Venetians went house, giving town’s inhabitants sufficient time to assemble it correctly.
Revelin is the biggest of all of the forts, not removed from the Ploce gate. It’s house to Dubrovnik’s archaeological museum and also you want a separate ticket to enter right here. There are common short-term exhibitions, so it’s price checking if there’s something household pleasant working throughout your go to, however in any other case, it’s one which’s much less tempting with youngsters.
Quite extra randomly, a part of the fortress additionally homes certainly one of Dubrovnik’s golf equipment – minimal entry age is eighteen+, in order that’s not going to be excessive on your loved ones wishlist both!
For extra issues to do in Dubrovnik with youngsters, right here’s why you must take a day journey to Lokrum
Disclosure: I used to be given a Dubrovnik Cross by the Croatia vacationer board which I used to go to the partitions – all opinions are my very own, as was my choice to write down this information to the Dubrovnik partitions with youngsters. This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
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