Park Gradac

Park Gradac renovation: latest 2026 status

Park Gradac has undergone its first comprehensive reconstruction since the park opened in 1898. The project is far more extensive than routine maintenance and has involved the park's paths, lighting, landscaping, utilities, visitor facilities and historic features.

In the latest specific update from the City of Dubrovnik, published on 9 July 2026, the project was described as being in its final stage. Most walking surfaces had been completed and the new public lighting was installed and operational.

At that point:

• Walking paths: most new and reconstructed walking surfaces were finished.
• Lighting: new public lighting had been installed, connected and programmed.
• Children's playground: all play equipment had been installed, with final ground and safety work continuing.
• Outdoor auditorium: a small gathering and activity space had been completed in the northern part of the park.
• New walking route: a path had been created through a previously unused section of the park.
• Rest areas: new landscaped spaces for sitting and relaxing were being completed.
• Accessible facilities: the new sanitary facility was nearing completion and includes adaptations for visitors with disabilities, including a lift.
• Historic features: most restoration work had been completed, with smaller finishing works remaining around the large entrance fountain.

The landscaping programme is also unusually large. The project includes the preservation and revitalisation of hundreds of existing trees, hundreds of new trees from more than 30 species and extensive planting of shrubs, perennials and other vegetation.

What this means for visitors: Park Gradac is no longer simply the old pine-covered viewpoint park described in older reviews. The renovation is creating a more complete public green space with improved paths, family facilities, lighting and places to sit and gather.

Latest official update checked: 21 August 2026. Source: City of Dubrovnik - Park Gradac final-stage works, 9 July 2026.

What to see and do in Park Gradac

Walk the shaded paths

The main reason to visit is simply to walk. Mature trees provide welcome shade, particularly in summer, and the network of paths gives you a quieter contrast to Stradun, the City Walls and the busy area around Pile.

You do not need to follow a fixed route. Head towards the sea-facing side, explore whichever paths are open and use the benches and rest areas when you want to stop.

See Fort Lovrijenac from a different angle

Several parts of Park Gradac provide views towards Fort Lovrijenac. The fortress rises above the rocky coast immediately east of the park and is one of the strongest visual features of this part of Dubrovnik.

For photography, morning and late afternoon generally provide softer light than the middle of the day.

Enjoy the coastal views

The park's sea-facing side opens towards the Adriatic and the rocky coast below Gradac. These are more natural coastal views than postcard Old Town panoramas, and the combination of pines, stone and sea is part of the park's character.

Use the new playground and rest areas

The 2025-26 reconstruction includes a renewed children's playground and new landscaped areas designed for sitting and resting. This makes the park more useful for families and for anyone who needs a break during a long day of Old Town sightseeing.

Park Gradac and the Game of Thrones Purple Wedding

Park Gradac is one of Dubrovnik's better-known Game of Thrones filming locations. It was used for the outdoor wedding feast during the Purple Wedding in Season 4, Episode 2.

The location works particularly well as part of a self-guided Game of Thrones walk because Fort Lovrijenac, used extensively as the Red Keep, is only a short walk away.

The modern park looks different from the dressed television set, but knowing the location adds another layer to a visit if you watched the series.

A Dubrovnik park dating back to 1898

Park Gradac opened to the public in 1898 and is described by the City of Dubrovnik as the city's largest and oldest existing public park.

Its creation was connected with the civic society DUB, whose members were involved in improving Dubrovnik's public spaces around the turn of the 20th century. The original park required major landscaping of the steep coastal terrain, including terraces, retaining walls and walking paths.

The park was substantially modified in 1929 and saw further work during the 1950s, but the 2025-26 project is the first complete and systematic reconstruction of the entire park since its foundation.

How to get to Park Gradac

Walking from Pile Gate

The easiest way for most visitors is to walk from Pile Gate. Park Gradac is only a few minutes west of the Old Town, making it easy to combine with Lovrijenac, Pile and the western section of the City Walls.

From Pile, continue west towards Ulica don Frana Bulića and follow the streets towards the park entrances. Expect some slopes and steps.

By bus

If you are staying in Lapad, Babin Kuk or Gruž, take a city bus towards Pile and walk the remaining distance. See our Dubrovnik city bus map and timetables.

By car and parking

Do not plan on Gradac Parking as ordinary tourist parking. The nearby Gradac car park is in Zone 4, and Sanitat currently permits parking there only for vehicles with a valid preferential parking permit (PPK) for Zones 2 or 3.

Visitors arriving by car should choose another authorised parking facility and continue on foot or by bus. See our Dubrovnik parking guide for current visitor options.

For the current rules applying specifically to the nearby car park, see Gradac Parking.

Families and accessibility

Is Park Gradac good for children?

Yes. Shade, open walking areas and the new children's playground make Gradac a useful family stop, particularly when children need a break from sightseeing inside the Old Town.

The park remains a sloping coastal environment, so keep younger children close around steps, retaining walls and exposed edges.

Accessibility

The reconstruction has improved accessibility in parts of the park. The new sanitary facility has been designed for people with disabilities and includes a lift.

However, this does not mean every path through Park Gradac is step-free. The park is built on sloping terrain and includes level changes, paths and some stairs. Visitors who require a fully step-free route should check the most suitable entrance once all reconstruction works are formally complete.

For wider accessibility planning, see Guests with Disabilities in Dubrovnik.

What to combine with Park Gradac

Park Gradac works best as part of a walking route around the western side of Dubrovnik rather than as a stand-alone half-day attraction.

• Fort Lovrijenac - the closest major attraction and one of Dubrovnik's best fortress viewpoints.
• Pile Gate - the main western entrance to the Old Town.
• Dubrovnik City Walls - easily combined with Gradac before or after a wall walk.
• Stradun - continue through Pile Gate into the historic centre.

A simple route is Park Gradac → Fort Lovrijenac → Pile Gate → Stradun. It keeps the walking geographically compact and gives you greenery, coastal views, fortress scenery and the Old Town without unnecessary backtracking.

Can you swim near Park Gradac?

There is no swimming area inside Park Gradac itself, but there are rocky swimming spots nearby.

Danče lies below the western side of the park and is one of Dubrovnik's traditional local swimming areas. Closer to Pile and Lovrijenac, Šulić Beach in Kolorina Bay provides another small coastal swimming spot.

Both are quite different from organised resort beaches. Expect rocks, steps and deep water rather than sand and extensive beach facilities.

For more swimming options around the city, see our Dubrovnik beaches and parks guide.

Practical tips for visiting Park Gradac

• Allow 30-60 minutes: enough for a relaxed walk and a few stops without turning the park into a major sightseeing commitment.
• Go early or late in summer: the park is shaded, but exposed paths and surrounding streets can still be hot.
• Wear comfortable shoes: expect slopes, paths and some stairs.
• Bring water: particularly if you are combining Gradac with Lovrijenac or the City Walls.
• For photography: the strongest compositions are generally towards Lovrijenac, the rocky coast and the Adriatic.
• Do not drive there looking for tourist parking: nearby Gradac Parking is restricted to eligible PPK holders.
• Check on-site access: the latest official update still described the major reconstruction as being in its final stage.

Park Gradac map & address

Park Gradac FAQ

Is Park Gradac free to enter?

Yes. Park Gradac is a public park and there is no admission fee.

Is Park Gradac open after the 2025-26 renovation?

The latest Park Gradac-specific City of Dubrovnik update, dated 9 July 2026, said the reconstruction was in its final stage with most major paths and new features completed. Some finishing work was still underway, so check on-site signage for any remaining restrictions.

How far is Park Gradac from Dubrovnik Old Town?

It is only a short walk west of Pile Gate, making it easy to add to a visit to Lovrijenac or the western side of the Old Town.

Was Park Gradac used in Game of Thrones?

Yes. Park Gradac was used as the location for the Purple Wedding outdoor feast in Season 4, Episode 2.

Can tourists park at Gradac Parking?

Gradac Parking should not be treated as normal tourist parking. Sanitat currently permits use of the Zone 4 car park only by vehicles with an eligible preferential parking permit for Zones 2 or 3.

Is Park Gradac suitable for children?

Yes. The renovated park includes a children's playground and shaded walking areas, although parents should remain aware of slopes, steps and coastal edges.

How long should I spend in Park Gradac?

About 30-60 minutes is enough for a relaxed walk, views and a short rest. You can spend longer if you are using the park as a picnic or family break.