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Fort Lovrijenac: Dubrovnik's Defender

Explore Fort Lovrijenac: Dubrovnik's historic fortress, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the city's rich past.

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Fort Lovrijenac, also known as St. Lawrence Fortress, is a historic fort and theater perched on a 37-meter-high rock outside Dubrovnik's western city walls. Dating back to the 11th century, it served as a crucial defense against invaders and offers stunning views of the city and the Adriatic Sea.

A brief summary to Fort Lovrijenac

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the path to the fortress involves a steep climb and many steps.
  • Visit in the late afternoon for stunning sunset views over the Old Town.
  • Check the Dubrovnik Summer Festival schedule for theatrical performances held within the fort.
  • A ticket for the City Walls includes admission to Fort Lovrijenac, so consider purchasing one if you plan to visit both.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Pile Gate, the main entrance to Dubrovnik's Old Town, walk towards the sea. Take the steps down to Kolorina Bay and follow the narrow, steep path leading up to the fortress entrance. The walk is short but involves a climb. There is an entrance fee of 15€ for adults. However, admission is included with a ticket to the Dubrovnik City Walls.

  • Public Transport

    Take any bus that stops at Pile Gate. From there, follow the walking directions to Fort Lovrijenac. A single bus fare costs around 2.00€. Remember to factor in the entrance fee to the fortress, which is 15€, unless you have a Dubrovnik City Walls ticket.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Take a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Bolt) to Pile Gate. From Pile Gate, follow the walking directions to Fort Lovrijenac. A short taxi ride within Dubrovnik costs approximately 4.00€ - 10.00€. Remember to factor in the entrance fee to the fortress, which is 15€, unless you have a Dubrovnik City Walls ticket.

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Discover more about Fort Lovrijenac

Fort Lovrijenac, often called "Dubrovnik's Gibraltar," is a formidable fortress with a rich history, located just outside the western walls of Dubrovnik's Old Town. Perched on a 37-meter-high rocky cliff, it has been a symbol of the city's resilience for centuries. Legend has it that the fort was built in the early 11th century in response to Venetian plans to construct their own fortress on the same spot and seize control of Dubrovnik. The citizens of Dubrovnik, learning of this plan, quickly constructed Fort Lovrijenac, thwarting the Venetian invasion. The first official records of the fort date back to 1301. Over the centuries, the fortress was continuously upgraded and reconstructed, with major alterations in the 15th and 16th centuries. It suffered damage in the 1667 earthquake but was repaired to maintain its original glory. The triangular fortress has three terraces with powerful parapets. The walls facing the sea are up to 12 meters thick, while those facing the city are only 60 cm thick, a strategic design to prevent the fort from being used against the city. Above the entrance, an inscription reads: "Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro" – "Freedom is not to be sold for all the treasures in the world". Today, Fort Lovrijenac is a popular tourist attraction, offering panoramic views and hosting theatrical performances during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, most notably Shakespeare's Hamlet. It also gained fame as a filming location for the Game of Thrones series, where it stood in as the Red Keep.

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