Porporela, Dubrovnik

Porporela is the breakwater and bathing place of Dubrovnik’s old harbour, a favourite gathering point for residents and visitors. Its working life began in 1873, when construction started under the direction of the maritime and harbour authority in Trieste. In 1879, a violent storm hurled a stone weighing 3159 kilograms onto the breakwater; that stone was later built into the structure and remains a notable attraction.

Porporela also hosts concerts, public festivities and sporting events. It is one of the original venues of the revived Wild League water-polo competition, and its amateur club won the competition in 2007 and 2023. The lively Noć Porporele raises money for charitable causes, while the site even has its own association, republic and ceremonial prince.