Pile Gate

Pile Gate was built in 1537 as a grand entrance to Dubrovnik’s old town. Located on the western side of the city walls, it takes us back to when the city would shut its gates at night to keep out invaders. Beyond the imposing gates, there was once a long wooden drawbridge — later replaced by stone — to make entry even harder for unwelcome visitors. It nearly worked… Until Napoleon showed up. In 1806, he marched into Dubrovnik, marking the end of the Republic of Ragusa. This independent maritime city-state, founded in the 14th century, was governed by a rector elected every month. Its capital would later become the city that we know as Dubrovnik today. As you pass through into the historic centre, take a moment to admire the Renaissance façade from 1537. You’ll also spot a statue of Saint Blaise, the city’s patron saint, sculpted in 1922 by Ivan Meštrović— the country’s most renowned architect. The inner façade of the gate has been heavily influenced by Gothic architecture from 1460, it’s truly fascinating!