Let’s just put it this way—if you’re visiting Dubrovnik’s town, you’ll definitely be witnessing Pile Gate. Built in 1537, the bridge used to have a wooden drawbridge that would be pulled up every night to prevent unauthorised visitors to the walled city. However, many years ago the drawbridge was turned into a stone bridge that leads the visitors through a renaissance arch into the old city. It’s the bigger and grander of the two entrances into the old town today, so expect large crowds especially after 10 am in the morning when many cruise ships arrive into Dubrovnik.

The outer and inner Pile gates form the western entrance to Dubrovnik’s old town and form an imposing presence. As you walk through the gates, admiring the stonewalls and soaking in the music playing by the Stonebridge, be prepared to step back in time as you walk in and are greeted by the gorgeous Stradun or promenade. You’re sure to get a feeling of deja vu as you approach the gates for you would have definitely seen them as part of ‘The King’s Landing’ in the popular contemporary series Game of Thrones.