The Walls of Ston, Croatia are a 14th-century defensive structure originally over 7 kilometers long, with about 5.5 kilometers still preserved todayF, built to protect the region’s valuable salt pans and secure its strategic position along the Dalmatian coast. Known as the “European Wall of China,” these fortifications offer visitors a chance to walk through medieval history while enjoying sweeping views of Ston, Mali Ston Bay, and the surrounding landscape.

We walked the entire length of the walls during our stay in Ston. In this post, we explore the history and architectural features of the Walls of Ston, including its fortresses, towers, and gateways. We’ll also provide practical tips for navigating the walls and making the most of your visit.

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The Walls of Ston have a captivating history that dates back to the 14th century.

Stretching more than 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), the Walls of Ston are among the longest fortification systems in Europe. They were designed by Michelozzo of Florence, with major contributions by Juraj Dalmatinac and Paskoje Miličević, and built from the mid-14th century through the early 16th century using local limestone.

During their early years, the walls served as a crucial line of defense against invaders and provided security to the flourishing salt industry. The strategic position of Ston, located on the Pelješac Peninsula, made it a highly sought-after territory. The walls successfully repelled numerous attacks and ensured the safety of the town and its valuable salt pans.

Over time, the Walls of Ston gained recognition for their impressive defensive capabilities and became a symbol of power and prestige. In addition to protecting the town, they also served as a statement of wealth and status for the Republic of Dubrovnik that ruled Ston during the 14th century.

The Walls of Ston are not just formidable fortifications but also architectural marvels. The intricate design and craftsmanship that went into building these walls are truly awe-inspiring. Each stone was carefully placed, creating a structure that not only served its defensive purpose but also stood as a testament to human ingenuity.

The walls are a perfect blend of functionality and beauty. They feature impressive towers strategically positioned along their length, providing vantage points for guards to watch over the surrounding area. These towers also offered refuge during times of attack, ensuring the safety of those defending the town.

Forts

Fort Veliki Kaštio, aka the Fortress of Saint Jerome, is part of the defensive fortification that surrounds the city.

Address: 20230, Mali Ston, Croatia

Tvrđava Koruna (Koruna Fort) aka Fortress of Koruna

Tvrdava Podzvizd is the fortress located at the highest point in the wall of Ston.

Towers

Kula Arcimun aka Tower of Arcimuna aka Arcimun Roundel

Kula Nad vodom is a tower near the church Crkva imena Isuova (Church of the name of Jesus) and the square Trg Marina Držića.

aka Dobri Tower

Address: Kula Dobri, D414, 20230, Mali Ston, Croatia

Bastions

Other

The Field Gate aka the Polish Door (Poljska vrata) is one of the most famous parts of the wall. The gate is inscribed with various Latin inscriptions from the 16th century.

Address: Tvrđava Pozvizd, 20230, Ston, Croatia

Summer

April 1 to May 31: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm

June 1 to July 31: 8:00 am - 7:30 pm

August 1 to August 31: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm

September 1 to October 31: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Winter

November 1 to March 31: 9.00 am - 3:00 pm

March to October

Adults – €10

Children (under 18 years) – €5

Group (more than 10 people) – €8

November to February

Adults – €5

Children (under 18 years) – €2

Group (more than 10 people) – €4

*Residents of the municipality of Ston: free of charge

Check here for more information about opening hours and entrance fees.

Here are some insider tips to help you plan your trip to the Walls of Ston.

Plan ahead and check opening hours, ticket prices, and weather conditions for the Walls of Ston before you go.

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes—sections of the walls are steep, with lots of steps and uneven stone.

Carry water and sunscreen, especially in summer.

Optimal lighting for photography is in the early morning or late afternoon.

If you are planning a trip to Ston, there are plenty of excellent places to stay. However, for the best experience, we strongly recommend staying in the Old Town. The castle marker on the map below is the heart of the Old Town. We suggest staying as close to it as possible, depending on your budget and preferences.

The below interactive map provides hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

The Walls of Ston are a series of defensive stone walls are a series of defensive stone walls in Croatia. The total length of the walls is approximately 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles). Walking the entire length of the walls can take around 1-2 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the views and exploring the area. It's a great way to experience the history and beauty of one of Europe’s longest defensive stone walls. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water with you, especially during warmer months.

The walls of Ston were built for defensive purposes. Ston is a town in Croatia, and historically, it has been an important strategic location due to its salt pans and salt trade. The walls were constructed in the 14th century to protect the town and its valuable salt works from potential invasions and attacks. The walls were fortified with towers and gates, creating a formidable defense system. Today, the walls of Ston are still intact. They are considered one of Europe's longest defensive stone walls, serving as a reminder of the town's historical significance and defensive capabilities.

The total length of the Ston walls is approximately 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles).

Stone walls are a common sight in Croatia for various historical and practical reasons. Croatia has a long history of stone masonry, with skilled craftsmen using local limestone to build structures such as churches, forts, and city walls. Many of these structures have stood the test of time and are still standing today.

In addition to historical reasons, stone walls are also practical in Croatia's landscape. The country is known for its hilly and rocky terrain, making it challenging to cultivate land for agriculture. Stone walls have been used for centuries to create hillside terraces, allowing farmers to level the land and prevent soil erosion. These terraced fields are not only functional but also add to the unique beauty of the Croatian countryside.