Minceta Tower, Dubrovnik

Minceta Tower, Dubrovnik (must see)

Constructed in 1463, the Minčeta Tower was built during a time when the threat of a Turkish invasion loomed large. Designed by local architect Nicifor Ranjina, with the assistance of Italian engineers sent by Pope Pius II, it initially served as a formidable four-sided fortress. This architectural gem earned its name from the Menčetić family, the original landowners on which the tower was erected.

The tower is not only historically significant but also an architectural marvel. It stands tall as the most prominent point in Dubrovnik's defense system from the land. In the mid-15th century, it underwent renovations by Italian architect and sculptor Michelozzo di Bartolomeo Michelozzi. He transformed it into a new round tower, incorporating cutting-edge warfare techniques and connecting it to a modern system of low scarp walls. The tower's full six-meter thick walls boasted protected gun ports, and further enhancements were made by Giorgio da Sebenico of Zadar. The result was the iconic high narrow round tower that we see today, complete with battlements.

Minčeta Tower stands as a symbol of the city's indomitable spirit and was completed in 1464. It continues to be a symbol of Dubrovnik's resilience and strength. In modern times, the tower serves as a museum, allowing visitors to explore its historical and architectural significance. Beneath it, in Gornji ugao (Upper Tower), a 16th-century cannon foundry was discovered after extensive excavation.

From its vantage point atop the city walls, Minčeta Tower provides visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the city of Dubrovnik. It's a place where history comes alive and where one can stand in awe of both the city's past and its present.

*** Game of Thrones Tour ***
The Minčeta Tower found its way into popular culture through the television series Game of Thrones. In Season 2, Episode 10, the tower was featured as the House of the Undying in Qarth, where Daenerys Targaryen had her dragons stolen. The tower's unique architecture and seemingly doorless exterior made it an ideal location for the show's magical and enigmatic scenes.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dubrovnik. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Minceta Tower on Map

Sight Name: Minceta Tower
Sight Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia (See walking tours in Dubrovnik)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Create Your Own Walk in Dubrovnik

Create Your Own Walk in Dubrovnik

Creating your own self-guided walk in Dubrovnik is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches

Historical Churches

Throughout history, Dubrovnik’s citizens have had plenty of causes to ask God for help. And when they got it, they never forgot to express their gratitude. Oftentimes, it came in the form of newly built churches; hence an array of religious landmarks, some truly magnificent, found in the Old Town, constructed over the centuries.

One such architectural marvel is Saint Saviour's Church,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Dubrovnik Introduction Walking Tour

Dubrovnik Introduction Walking Tour

One of the most visited cities in Croatia – comfortably situated on the Adriatic coast in the south of the country, Dubrovnik is a major seaport and historical location packed with numerous monuments and points of interest. Since 1979, the city has been listed as the UNESCO World Heritage site.

The history of Dubrovnik dates back to the 7th century, when the town known as Ragusa was founded...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
City Walls Walking Tour

City Walls Walking Tour

Gazing down at the fortified city, you see a treasure trove of Gothic and Renaissance churches, monasteries, Venetian palaces and ornately carved fountains. They’re all crammed together with shuttered apartments, hole-in-the-wall boutiques and outdoor restaurants and cafés.

There are three different entrances to the Dubrovnik walls. One is at Pile Gate, one is at Ploce Gate (near the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Game of Thrones Filming Sites Tour

Game of Thrones Filming Sites Tour

Dubrovnik has no shortage of picturesque sights: colorful roofs with terracotta tiles, impressive stone architecture, high-rising cliffs, and a stunning Old Town wall overlooking the wild Adriatic. It is mostly for this reason that the city was chosen as the main filming location for King's Landing, a fictional city in the world-famous TV series "Game of Thrones." If you're a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles