The old town of Krk is nearly entirely encircled by city walls, both on the landward and seaward sides, making them a rarity at the national level due to their excellent preservation. They are the third-largest walls in Croatia after the walls of Ston and Dubrovnik! The walls defined the city’s internal layout, with entry and exit points at four city gates. For millennia, they provided uninterrupted protection for the residents of Krk.

The oldest parts of the walls, predating Roman influence, date back to the 4th or 3rd century bc. However, the walls were first documented in a Roman stone inscription from 50–30 bc, discovered in 1848, which mentions their reconstruction. Another significant reference comes from 1133, detailing repairs discussed by the bishop, city judges, and Duke Dujam after heavy damage during an intense assault on Krk. The walls were maintained over the centuries, with the last major renovation ordered in 1489 by Providur Antonio Vinciguerra. The walls protected the city until the mid-17th century, when changing warfare tactics rendered them obsolete.

All city gates were reinforced with towers, as evident from an 1821 map. Since gates were the weakest points of the walls, it was necessary to reinforce them with towers. Similarly, the architectural complex of the Franciscan monastery in Krk, integrated into the city walls, includes a smaller defensive tower.

The walls featured four city gates, positioned on the four sides of the town and connected by the main city streets. The gates were closed with wooden doors and protected by guardhouses.

The Small or Lower City Gate marked the southern end of one of the city’s two main streets, originally situated within the walls of the Bishop’s Palace.

First mentioned in 1398, the gate was relocated approximately 100 metres north to a more sheltered position near the Small Pier (Mali mul), a docking point for small boats, due to its exposure to strong southerly winds from the open sea. 

The Upper City Gate was located at the highest point of the city, adjoining the Franciscan Monastery.

First mentioned in a document by Bishop Ivan of Krk in 1186, the gate was removed in the early 19th century. However, traces of its structure remain visible on the monastery walls and parts of the city walls.