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Fort Lovrijenac: Dubrovnik's Guardian

Explore Fort Lovrijenac: Dubrovnik's iconic fortress, offering stunning views, rich history, and a Game of Thrones connection.

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Perched dramatically on a 37-meter high rock overlooking the Adriatic, Fort Lovrijenac, also known as St. Lawrence Fortress, has defended Dubrovnik for centuries. Its imposing presence and strategic location have earned it the nickname 'Dubrovnik's Gibraltar'.

A brief summary to Fort Lovrijenac

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a walk along the city walls, as the entrance ticket often includes access to Fort Lovrijenac.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the climb up to the fort, as it involves navigating a series of steps.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more tranquil experience.
  • Check the Dubrovnik Summer Festival schedule for potential theater performances at the fort.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Pile Gate, the main entrance to Dubrovnik's Old Town, walk west, following the signs for Fort Lovrijenac. The path leads away from the city walls and towards the coast. The walk is short but steep, involving a climb up a series of steps. Allow approximately 10-15 minutes to reach the fort's entrance. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus to Dubrovnik's Old Town, disembark at the Pile Gate bus stop. From there, follow the walking directions to Fort Lovrijenac. A single bus fare within Dubrovnik typically costs around 1.33 - 3 EUR. However, since the final approach is on foot from Pile Gate, no additional bus fare is required.

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Discover more about Fort Lovrijenac

Fort Lovrijenac, a mighty fortress just outside Dubrovnik's western walls, stands as a testament to the city's enduring spirit of independence. For centuries, it has served as a crucial defensive outpost, guarding Dubrovnik from both land and sea invasions. Chronicles suggest the fort's origins trace back to the early 11th century, with the first official records appearing in 1301. Legend has it that the people of Dubrovnik built the fort in a mere three months to thwart Venetian plans to construct their own fortress on the site. The inscription above the entrance, 'Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro' ('Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world'), encapsulates Dubrovnik's unwavering commitment to liberty. The fort's triangular structure features three terraces and walls of varying thickness, with the seaward walls reaching up to 12 meters. This design maximized its defensive capabilities, providing strategic vantage points and resilience against attacks. Inside, a courtyard and a small chapel offer glimpses into the fort's past. Today, Fort Lovrijenac is a major tourist attraction, offering stunning panoramic views of Dubrovnik's Old Town and the Adriatic coast. It also serves as a unique venue for theatrical performances, most notably during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, with Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' becoming a symbol of the event. Game of Thrones fans will recognize the fort as the Red Keep in King's Landing, adding to its allure.

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