Fort Lovrijenac

St. Lawrence Fortress, or Fort Lovrjenac in Croatian, was built at the beginning of the 11th century by the inhabitants of Ragusa to protect the city from the threat of the Venetians. It's a stone fortress located at the top of a hill, 40 metres (131 ft) above sea level, that served as a defensive bastion and watch tower.

This important defensive tower became a symbol of resistance in Dubrovnik during the attacks from the Venetians. In fact, in the entrance to the fortress, you can read an inscription in Latin: Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro (Freedom can't be sold for all the money in the world).

Today, Fort Lovrijenac is one of the symbols of Dubrovnik and remains open for visitors all throughout the year. You can even rent it out for several hours for weddings, photo sessions, or other events, although the price can be quite high.

During the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Fort Lovrjenac opens its doors to all spectators who want to see a live performance of Hamlet, one of Shakespeare's best works.

Visit Fort Lovrjenac

To arrive at Fort Lovrijenac, you'll need to climb 200 stairs, but the views at the top of the Walls of Dubrovnik and Pile Bay are truly spectacular and well worth the effort. Inside the fort, you can see canons, ammunition stones and even a small chapel.

At the top of the fort, you can see a huge Croatian flag up close, which can also be spotted from all over the city. You may also find numerous cats here that use the fortress as a refuge.

Since 2014, this fortress has become a highlight for Game of Thrones fans, having served as the setting for the Red Keep, appearing throughout the hit series.

Tips

• With your ticket to the Walls of Dubrovnik, you can also visit Fort Lovrijenac up to 3 days after your intial ticket purchase.
• The entrance to Fort Lovrijenac is found at the top of the steps, but keep in mind you cannot pay in Euros. You can pay with a credit card, however, when you reach the top.