Lovrijenac Fortress: the protector of Dubrovnik

Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro - Liberty is not well sold for all the gold. This was the motto of the Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik) that can be still seen carved in the stones of Lovrijenac Fortress, once made to protect the city of Dubrovnik from Venetians and Turks. Together with Revelin Fortress, Lovrijenac is one the two architecturally beautiful, historically important and culturally valuable Dubrovnik jewels. Lovrijenac on the western point and Revelin on the eastern are two detached forts in Dubrovnik, meaning - the most significant structures outside the city walls. Let me introduce you the great protector of Dubrovnik - Lovrijenac Fortress.

Fort Lovrijenac in Dubrovnik

Ul. od Tabakarije 29, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatie

Lovrijenac Fortress - Gibraltar of Dubrovnik

Lovrijenac Fortress (Fortress of St Lawrence) is also known as Gibraltar of Dubrovnik for its position - it's located on the detached cliff outside the city wall, on some 30 meters above the sea level. Together with the fort Bokar, it makes a strait-like shape entrance to the city and its port Kolorina. A symbol of the unconquered city, this fortress still stands strong, resisting the ages and waves that the Adriatic Sea is sending towards it. Lovrijenac was built in only three months (legend has it) thanks to a huge voluntary work of Dubrovnik people and their amazing struggle to protect the city from Venetians. 

Ten canons, twelve-meter-thick front wall, dozens of cannonballs and soldiers were protecting this fort and the city itself for centuries. Saint Blaise, a protector of the town, has its special place here as well - his little statue is located on the outside wall. 

Lovrijenac today

Today, Lovrijenac is an inevitable detail while visiting Dubrovnik. It consists of three terraces, and its triangular shape makes it a great photo shooting object.  Moreover, while you are on one of the terraces, a spectacular view is in front of you - the sea and Dubrovnik with its unconquered walls. The first "neighbor" is the Tower Bokar (Zvjezdan). Nowadays, Lovrijenac is famous for being a perfect venue for theater shows, especially during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival - from the end of July until the mid-August. If you are a real theater enthusiast and a Shakespeare fan, then start searching for the tickets for this amazing cultural event in Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik Summer Festival (Dubrovačke ljetne igre)

Dubrovnik (Ragusa), Croacia

When and how to visit it

You can visit it at any time of the year, from 8 am to 7 pm.  Lovrijenac is easily approachable from all parts of the city. My recommendation is to visit the Dubrovnik wall and then to go out of the Old Town and head towards Lovrijenac, the protector of Dubrovnik, in the afternoon hours since the view is the best, and the sunset is astonishing.  PS: With the ticket for Dubrovnik walls, the entrance is free.

Cover Photo © credits to iStockphoto: Biggunsband