Fort Lovrijenac, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Fort Lovrijenac or St. Lawrence Fortress is located outside the western wall of the city of Dubrovnik. Famous for its plays and importance in resisting Venetian rule, it overshadows the two entrances to the city, from the sea and by land. Early in the 11th century the Venetians attempted to build a fort on the same spot where Fort Lovrijenac currently stands. If they had succeeded, they would have kept Dubrovnik under their power, but the people of the city beat them to it. The 'Chronicles of Ragusa' reveal how the fort was built within just three months time and from then on constantly reconstructed. When the Venetian ships arrived, full of materials for the construction of the fort, they were told to return to Venice.

Lovrijenac has a triangular shape with three terraces. The thickness of the walls facing the outside reach 12 metres whereas the section of the walls facing the inside, the actual city, are only 60 centimetres thick. Two drawbridges lead to the fort and above the gate there is an inscription Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro ('Freedom is not to be sold for all the treasures in the world'). Lovrijenac's use as a stage was a recent addition to the history of the fort, and the performance of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' has become the symbol of Dubrovnik Summer Festival.

References:

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User Reviews

Ray Anthony Roderos (Knight) (7 months ago)
Definitely get a Dubrovnik pass for this amd come early since it gets super hot. Better to go on a GOT tour for added context. An absolute gem! The climb is well worth the effort for the stunning views and the rich history that greets you at the top. It’s a breathtaking spot that captures the essence of Dubrovnik’s storied past. A must-visit for sure!

Russell Timsar (7 months ago)
Great physical exercise & gives you a different perspective looking at the old city. The bay area before you start the walk up to the fort is amazing to look at, take a seat and enjoy it. The walk up the steps in the heat is challenging and well worth it. Cannons, the flag and all the nooks and crannies make this a nice little adventure. To top it off, if you get a chance to watch a show here, it's pretty special. 'Around the world in 80 days' was on during our stay and it was spectacular. Last show is on the 7th July. Deserves to sell out. The venue just makes it ultra-special, see whatever you can here.

Vanessa Silva (7 months ago)
Totally worth it. Useful tips: be the first to get in. It opens at 8 so make sure you can be there at that time. On the way, you’ll go up by the shore and that’s very nice. Try to be there 7:30 latest. Why? Tourists from cruises arrive massively at about 8:30, you can see them from the top and it’s insane. If you want nice pics and the place just for you… follow my advice. If you are a fan of GOT, then it’s also a MUST *last pics were taken at 8:40

Ruben Sanchez (8 months ago)
Very well maintained fort. Visiting it is like going 1000 years backwards. It is better going late afternoon, around 7pm. Close to sunset time. A few movies have been filmed in this fort. The same ticket (35€) to visit the City Walls, work here. Amazing views from the very top.

paterjo (8 months ago)
Amazing well preserved fortress built to protect the old town of Dubrovnik. Lots of stairs up a steep hill so only go if you’re fairly fit. Nothing really to see inside just the amazing views of Dubrovnik old town and the beautiful coastline. Come early before the crowds and heat and take lots of pictures.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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