Ston Architecture

Guide to Historic Architecture in Ston

Ston, Croatia is a treasure trove of historic architectural sights. By far, the most notable sight is the “Great Wall of Croatia.” These imposing fortifications were built in the 14th century and stretch for over five kilometers, encircling the town.

We spent a couple of days in Ston researching the historic architecture. We’ve summarized the information we collected so you can enjoy Ston architecture as soon as you arrive.

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Fortifications in Ston

Ston has a complex system of fortifications which includes a main wall and three forts, namely Veliki Kaštio, Koruna, and Podzvizd. There are also forty-one towers and seven bastions, including Sokolić, Arcimon in Ston, the three bastions of Veliki Kaštel, the Podzvizda bastion and the Arcimon in Mali Ston.

Additionally, there are four pre-walls, namely the eastern and south-western Ston pre-walls, the Mali Ston pre-wall, and the Korun pre-wall. A water-filled moat surrounds the western, southern, and eastern edges of Ston.

Ston Croatia

Walls of Ston

Architect: Michelozzo, Bernardino Gatti of Parma and Giorgio da Sebenico (Juraj Dalmatinac)

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Built: starting 1358

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The Walls of Ston are a series of defensive stone walls, originally more than 7 kilometers (4.3 mi) long, that surrounded and protected the city of Ston. Their construction was begun in 1358. Noted architects who worked on the project include Michelozzo, Bernardino Gatti of Parma, and Giorgio da Sebenico (Juraj Dalmatinac).

Kaštio Fort in Ston Croatia

Kaštio Fort

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Walls of Ston Croatia

Koruna Fort

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Koruna Fort (Tvrđava Koruna)

Religious Buildings in Ston

CHURCH OF ST. BLAISE in Ston Croatia

Church of St. Blaise

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Style: pseudo-Gothic

Built: 1870

Address: 20230, Ston, Croatia

Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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Address: Unnamed Road, 20230, Ston, Croatia

Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Crkva Navještenja Blažene Djevice Marije)

Church of St. Nicholas

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The Church of St. Nicholas was built in the 13th century and is one of the oldest churches in Croatia.

Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

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The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was built in the 14th century.

Church of St. Francis

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Built: 15th century

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The Church of St. Francis was built in the 15th century.

Monastery in Ston Croatia

Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy

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Built: 13th century

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Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy, which was founded in the 13th century. This monastery is home to a number of significant works of art, including a painting by Titian.

Church of St. Michael

Style: pre-Romanesque

Built: 9th or early 10th century

Address: D414, 20230, Ston, Croatia

The Church of St. Michael is  at the top the Gradac hill on the southern edge of the Ston field.  The pre-romanesque Church of St. Michael is believed to have been built in the 9th or early 10th century.

Church of St. Peter

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The Church of St. Peter is at the base of the Gradac hill. The building complex dates back to the 6th century. At that time, it was a single-nave structure with a horseshoe apse.

Church of St. John

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The Church of St. John is east of the hill Gradac and St. Michael. It is a single-nave building with an elongated rectangular ground plan and a wide semicircular apse. The church has undergone significant changes over time.

Church of St. Mandaljene

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Church of St. Mandaljene (originally St. Mary) is in the southeastern part of Ston field on the hill Gorica. It was built in the 6th century over the remains of an earlier ancient building complex. The church is a basilica with a very elongated rectangular ground plan, without side rooms.

Church of St. Stjepan

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Church of St. Stjepan is in the southeastern part of Ston Field. The basilica has a wide semicircular apse and a room on the north side.

Palaces in Ston

Palace in Ston, Croatia

Municipal Building

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Gothic Republic Chancellery

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Style: Gothic and Renaissance

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Bishop's Palace

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Style: elements of late Renaissance

Built: 1573

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Sorkočević Palace

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Address: Jurja Dalmatinca 8, 20230, Ston, Croatia

Sorgo Palace – Boutique Heritage Hotel

Once upon a time in the Middle Ages, a noble family, Sorkočević (Sorgo), that ruled the Dubrovnik Republic, owned a mansion in the heart of the historic town of Ston, which is under state protection as a heritage. Nowadays, it is a boutique family hotel that offers services of accommodation, food, and unique experiences.

Other Attractions in Ston

Salt Flats in Ston Croatia

Saltworks

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Address: Pelješki put 1, 20230, Ston, Croatia

The saltworks were established as far back as the 13th century (although the harvesting of salt in the area is thought to go back much further). The production of salt contributed to the wealth of the Republic of Dubrovnik.

Today, Solana Ston Ltd. still harvests salt from the sea in a traditional manner.

Fontana

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Fontana is a public fountain that was built in 1581. It brought fresh water from a spring in the Ston field and was made available for all citizens. The fountain has a simple Renaissance-style ornamentation and three heads from which water flows. A dedicatory inscription about bringing water is also present, which bears witness to the practical purpose of this object.

Things to Know About Ston Architecture

Overview and Layout of Ston's Architectural Landmarks

Ston’s architectural landmarks encompass a remarkable array of structures, from the imposing walls to the intricate religious buildings and elegant palaces. The fortifications of Ston are a testament to its strategic significance, especially the Walls of Ston, Kaštio Fort, and Koruna Fort. These structures date back to the 14th century and showcase the defensive prowess of the city walls. The religious buildings in Ston add a spiritual dimension to the landscape, each with its unique charm and historical significance.

Construction Techniques and Materials Used in Ston

Ston’s fortifications showcase intricate construction techniques and durable materials. Built in the 14th century, the walls of Ston stand as a testament to expert craftsmanship from the Middle Ages. Constructed using local stone, these defensive walls were crucial in protecting the city and its salt pans. The use of bastions and forts, such as Kaštio and Koruna, further exemplifies the skill and foresight of the architects in fortifying Ston against potential threats. Ston’s architecture harmoniously blends with its natural environment, a symbol of Croatian resilience and ingenuity.

Historical Significance of Ston's Architecture

Ston’s architecture bears testimony to its historical importance with fortified structures like the Walls of Ston, dating back to the 14th century. Serving as a vital maritime link, the city walls played a crucial role in safeguarding the salt pans of Ston. This Croatian gem, nestled in the heart of Dalmatia, showcases a blend of Middle Ages and modern-day charm, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Where Is the Best Place To Stay In Ston?

Hotels in Ston

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.

Book your stay now!

FAQs About Ston Architecture

Who built the Wall of Ston?

The citizens of Dubrovnik and Ston built the walls of Ston in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Why were the walls of Ston built?

The walls of Ston were built for defensive purposes. Ston is a small town located in Croatia and is known for its impressive defensive walls, which were constructed in the 14th century. The walls were built to protect the town and its valuable salt pans from potential invaders. The walls stretch for over five kilometers and include numerous towers and fortifications. Today, the walls are a popular tourist attraction and offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

How long are the walls of Ston?

The walls of Ston, an ancient fortified town in Croatia, are approximately 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) long. They were originally built in the 14th century as a defensive structure and have been well-preserved over the centuries. The walls are a popular tourist attraction and offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

What is the longest wall in Europe?

The walls of Ston in Croatia are considered to be one of the longest defensive walls in Europe. Stretching over five kilometers, these impressive fortifications were built by the citizens of Dubrovnik and Ston in the 14th and 15th centuries. Today, these walls stand as a testament to the ingenuity and strategic planning of the people who built them, and they offer visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

What is the longest stone wall in the world?

The longest stone wall in the world is the Great Wall of China. It stretches over 13,000 miles (21,196 kilometers) and was built to protect China from invasions. The construction of the Great Wall began over 2,000 years ago and continued over several dynasties. Today, it is considered one of the most impressive architectural feats in history and a symbol of Chinese civilization.

What are the series of walls in Croatia?

In addition to the famous walls of Ston, there are several other notable series of walls in Croatia. One such example is the Walls of Dubrovnik, which surround the Old Town of Dubrovnik and are also considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. These impressive fortifications were built in the 13th century to protect the city from various threats. Croatia’s rich history and architectural heritage offer a wide variety of impressive walls and fortifications for visitors to explore. Each of these structures tells a unique story of the region’s history and strategic importance.

What island is Ston on?

Ston is not located on an island, but rather on the Pelješac Peninsula in southern Croatia. The town of Ston is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and is known for its impressive fortifications, including the famous walls that stretch across the peninsula. This strategic location has made Ston an important historical and cultural site in Croatia, attracting visitors from around the world to admire its architecture and learn about its fascinating past.