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Lovrijenac Fortress

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Lovrijenac Fortress (Croatia)

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Lovrijenac Fortress, often dubbed the 'Gibraltar of Dubrovnik,' perches atop a 37-meter-high cliff just outside the western city walls. Its strategic location was paramount for defending the city against maritime attacks, particularly those launched by the Republic of Venice. According to local lore, the original fortification was built in the 11th century in just three months to thwart Venetian invaders. The current structure primarily dates from the 14th to the 16th century and is famous for its asymmetrical wall thickness: the sea-facing walls are up to 12 meters thick, while those facing the city are only 60 centimeters thick, designed to be easily breached from within if the fort were ever captured. Above the entrance lies the renowned Latin inscription 'Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro,' declaring that freedom is not to be sold for all the gold in the world. Today, the fortress is a world-class venue for theatrical performances, most notably Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C91012141823252622181511
Rain mm1431421239175583538103123161159

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Lovrijenac Fortress is open to visitors and can be explored inside. It sits on a 37-meter-high rock outside Dubrovnik's city walls. From the walls you get a spectacular view of the sea and the old town.
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Typical hours
The fortress is typically open daily from morning until late afternoon. During peak season, hours may be extended. Check current times on site or online.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the fortress, including from the walls. For the best shots of the coast and old town, the golden light of late afternoon is handy. Tripods are likely not allowed.
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Time needed
A visit to the fortress takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you enjoy the view and take photos, allow an hour. The fortress is not very large, but the viewpoints invite you to linger.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk along Dubrovnik's city walls, as the fortress lies just outside them. The old town with its narrow streets and Stradun is also within walking distance. A trip to Lokrum Island is also a great addition.
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Getting there
Lovrijenac Fortress is located west of Dubrovnik's old town, about a 10-minute walk from the Pile Gate. You can take the stairs from the beach or the path along the cliffs. A bus stop is near the Pile Gate.
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Insider tip
Visit the fortress early in the morning to avoid crowds. The light is especially beautiful for photos. Wear sturdy shoes as the paths can be uneven.

Geography

Coordinates
42.64100, 18.10440

Facts

  • The fortress sits on a prominent 37-meter-high limestone rock
  • The walls facing the open sea are a massive 12 meters thick
  • Completion of its current structure dates back to the 16th century
  • The Latin inscription above the gate dates from the Ragusan era
  • Lovrijenac served as a filming location for the Red Keep in Game of Thrones
  • The fort can accommodate up to 450 spectators for performances

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Dubrovnik City WallsDubrovnik City Walls<1 km · EExplore →
📍Bosanka2 km · EExplore →
LokrumLokrum2 km · SEExplore →
📍Prijevor3 km · NExplore →
📍Sustjepan3 km · NExplore →
📍Knežica4 km · NEExplore →
📍Lozica4 km · NWExplore →
📍Gornji Brgat5 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Lovrijenac Fortress (10)

Fort Lovrijenac

A fortress and theater in Dubrovnik, Croatia. It stands on a rock in front of the old town.

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Love Stories Museum🏛 museum

A museum in Dubrovnik. It tells love stories from different eras.

🕒 PH,Mo-Su 10:00-18:00💶

Plaža Šulić

A beach in Dubrovnik. It lies below the Lovrijenac fortress.

Bokar🗼 tower

A fortress in Dubrovnik, Croatia. It defended the western access to the city.

Pile Gate

A city gate in Dubrovnik, Croatia. It is the main entrance to the old town.

Salvador Dalí

A gallery in Dubrovnik. It displays works by surrealist artist Salvador Dalí.

Etnographic Museum Rupe🏛 museum

A museum in Dubrovnik. It exhibits traditional clothing and household items.

St. Saviour Church

A church in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The 16th-century building is a votive church.

Dance Beach

A beach in Dubrovnik. It is popular among locals and tourists.

Franciscan Church and Monastery Museum🏛 museum

A museum in Dubrovnik. It displays an old pharmacy and religious art.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Lovrijenac fortress located?
It sits on a 37-meter high rock outside the western city walls.
Does the city walls ticket include entry here?
Yes, a ticket for the city walls usually includes entry to this fortress.
Was Lovrijenac a filming location for Game of Thrones?
Yes, it served as the 'Red Keep' in King's Landing.
Are events held in the fortress?
Yes, it is a famous venue for theater plays like 'Hamlet'.
Is the climb to the fortress difficult?
There are many steps, but the path is short and well-maintained.
Lovrijenac Fortress: where is it located?
Lovrijenac Fortress is located in Croatia.
Lovrijenac Fortress: what is there to see?
Highlights include Fort Lovrijenac, Love Stories Museum, Plaža Šulić.
Lovrijenac Fortress: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Lovrijenac Fortress: why is it worth visiting?
Lovrijenac Fortress, often dubbed the 'Gibraltar of Dubrovnik,' perches atop a 37-meter-high cliff just outside the western city walls.
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Nearby cities

Bosanka — Lovrijenac Fortress (Croatia)
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A peaceful village on Mount Srđ above Dubrovnik, offering spectacular views of the Old Town and the Adriatic.
Lokrum — Lovrijenac Fortress (Croatia)
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A lush green oasis just 600 meters from Dubrovnik, famous for peacocks and an ancient monastery.
Metković — Lovrijenac Fortress (Croatia)
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Metkovic is located on the banks of the Neretva River near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Prijevor — Lovrijenac Fortress (Croatia)
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Donje Obuljeno — Lovrijenac Fortress (Croatia)
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Komolac — Lovrijenac Fortress (Croatia)
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Rožat — Lovrijenac Fortress (Croatia)
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Nova Mokošica — Lovrijenac Fortress (Croatia)
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Knežica — Lovrijenac Fortress (Croatia)
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Gornje Obuljeno — Lovrijenac Fortress (Croatia)
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Čajkovica — Lovrijenac Fortress (Croatia)
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Peračko Blato — Lovrijenac Fortress (Croatia)
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Kućište — Lovrijenac Fortress (Croatia)
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Viganj — Lovrijenac Fortress (Croatia)
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Sustjepan — Lovrijenac Fortress (Croatia)
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History & landmarks

Korčula Old Town — Lovrijenac Fortress (Croatia)
Korčula Old Town
A fortified medieval town with a fishbone street pattern designed to reduce the force of the wind.