Background

Fort Lovrijenac: Dubrovnik's Sentinel

Explore Dubrovnik's iconic Fort Lovrijenac: a symbol of freedom, offering stunning views and a rich history dating back to the 11th century.

4.7

Perched dramatically on a rocky cliff overlooking the Adriatic, Fort Lovrijenac, also known as St. Lawrence Fortress, is a historic fortress that has defended Dubrovnik for centuries. Its imposing structure and strategic location offer stunning views and a glimpse into the city's resilient past.

A brief summary to Fort Lovrijenac

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as there are many steps to climb to reach the fortress and explore its interior.
  • 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 performances held within the fort's walls for a unique cultural experience.
  • If you plan to visit the City Walls, consider purchasing a combined ticket, as it includes admission to Fort Lovrijenac.
  • Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik's Old Town.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Pile Gate, the main entrance to Dubrovnik's Old Town, walk west along Ul. od Tabakarije. Follow the street as it curves along the coast. You'll pass by the Pile beach. Continue along the path, ascending a series of steps that lead directly to the entrance of Fort Lovrijenac. The walk from Pile Gate takes approximately 5-10 minutes. There are no costs involved in this final approach.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus to Dubrovnik, all local buses stop at the Pile bus stop, just outside Pile Gate. From there, follow the walking directions. A single bus fare within Dubrovnik costs around 12-15 HRK (approximately €1.60-€2.00) if purchased at a newsstand or 15-18 HRK (€2.00-€2.40) if purchased on the bus. Keep in mind that a ticket for the City Walls includes entry to Fort Lovrijenac.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Dubrovnik. From the Dubrovnik Port to Fort Lovrijenac, a taxi ride will take approximately 7 minutes and cost between €12-€15. From Pile Gate, there is no car access to Fort Lovrijenac.

Unlock the Best of Fort Lovrijenac

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Fort Lovrijenac

Fort Lovrijenac, often called 'Dubrovnik's Gibraltar,' is a striking fortress located just outside the western walls of Dubrovnik's Old Town. Standing 37 meters (121 feet) above sea level on a sheer cliff, it has been a crucial part of the city's defenses for centuries. The fortress is renowned not only for its imposing structure and strategic position but also for its role in resisting Venetian rule and its use as a theater. Legend says that in the 11th century, the Venetians planned to build a fortress on the same spot to control Dubrovnik. However, the citizens of Dubrovnik learned of this plan and managed to construct their own fortress in just three months, thwarting the Venetian invasion. The fort has been continuously upgraded since its inception. The fort's walls facing the sea are remarkably thick, ranging from 4 to 12 meters, while those facing the city are only 60 cm thick. This design served as a fail-safe mechanism against internal rebellion. Above the entrance, an inscription reads: 'NON BENE PRO TOTO LIBERTAS VENDITUR AURO' ('Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world'), reflecting Dubrovnik's historical commitment to independence. Today, Fort Lovrijenac is a popular tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the Old Town. It also serves as a venue for cultural events, most notably the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, where performances of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' have become a symbol of the event. For fans of the HBO series 'Game of Thrones,' Fort Lovrijenac may be recognizable as the Red Keep.

Popular Experiences near Fort Lovrijenac

Popular Hotels near Fort Lovrijenac

Select Currency