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Pile Gate

pile gate dubrovnik
Pile Gate

The main entrance to Old Town, busy Pile Gate (the name derived from Greek word pylaj meaning gate) in the old-time (built in the 15th century) used to have a wooden drawbridge which used to be pulled up at night to prevent unwelcome guests entering the medieval, walled city.

The drawbridge was replaced by stoned one long time ago so nowadays, the beautiful stone bridge (see above photo) leads across the small green passage (ex moat) thought the Gate to the Old town and down the steps to Stradun, the Town’s main promenade.

Approach to the Gate on the bright and sunny day
Approach to the Gate on the bright and sunny day

Video:

Right above the entrance, the Gate is embellished with the statue of Sveti Vlaho, the patron saint of Dubrovnik:

St Blaise statue at the gate
St Blaise statue at the gate

If you are arriving into the Old town through this gate, as soon as you pass the gate itself you will see this orientation maps with a code of conduct:

Old town map displayed on the wall
Old town map displayed on the wall

Here is the info that you need while visiting the Old Town. It is a good idea to take a photo of it for later reference.

If you are using a wheelchair, trolley or baby’s pushchair, it is good to know that the Old Town is fully accessible through this gate:

Disabled access to the Stradun
Disabled access to the Stradun

You don’t have to use the steps, just turn left and access the Stradun along the ramp

Using the gate to exit the town – this is how it looks – the views from the inside the gate:

inside the gate
Inside view of the gate

In the busy times, the Gate is divided into two sections making it more accessible. Keep walking on the right side. On the bottom of the steps or ramp you will approach the Stradun, the Old Town’s main street – this is how it looks – views from within the gate:

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approach to Stradun @ Pile gate
Busy entrance to the town

On the below photo, you can see the Gate’s adjoining fortifications and walls. The photo was taken from the outside of the gate.

Fortification adjoining the gate
Fortification adjoining the Pile gate

Photo Gallery of Pile Gate

pile-gate-photos1

See all photos in Pile Gate gallery

Location Map of Pile Gate, Dubrovnik:

Address:

Pile Gate, Vrata od Pila, 20000 Dubrovnik
see the location of Pile Gate on a larger map

Popular routes: Split to Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik to Split, Hvar to Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik to Hvar