Attraction
City Walls of Dubrovnik
Almost two kilometres of medieval ramparts wrapped around Dubrovnik's Old Town, walkable in a full circuit with views over terracotta roofs and the open Adriatic.
Fort Lovrijenac
A clifftop fortress just outside the Pile Gate, 37 metres above the sea, famed for its liberty motto, its views of the walls and its summer Shakespeare performances.
At a glance
- Type
- Medieval fortress and open-air theatre
- Area
- Pile, Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Official site
- citywallsdubrovnik.hr
Good to know
- Included with city walls ticket
- Sea views
- Summer theatre venue
Why we recommend it
Fort Lovrijenac, also known as St Lawrence Fortress, stands on a sheer rock just west of the Old Town, 37 metres above the sea. It was built to guard the western approaches to the city by land and sea, and from its terraces you get the best close-up view of the walls themselves, with the Bokar fort and the Pile Gate directly opposite across a small cove.
Local tradition says the people of Dubrovnik raised a fort here in just three months in the early 11th century to stop the Venetians from building one first. The earliest written record dates from 1301, when the council appointed its commander, and the fort was rebuilt several times afterwards. Its design is unusual: the outer walls facing the sea and any attacker are up to 12 metres thick, while the wall facing the city is only about 60 centimetres, a contrast that tells you exactly which direction the builders expected trouble from. Above the entrance is the inscription Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro, usually translated as freedom is not to be sold for all the gold in the world, which sums up the spirit of the old Republic.
Lovrijenac is also one of Dubrovnik's great stages. Hamlet was first performed here at the Dubrovnik Summer Festival in 1952 and has become a symbol of the festival, with later productions featuring actors such as Derek Jacobi and Daniel Day-Lewis. The courtyard and terraces have also been used as a filming location, including for the television series Knightfall in 2017.
The fort is run by the Society of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities, and the city walls ticket includes entry, so the most economical plan is to walk the walls and visit the fort on the same day. A separate Lovrijenac ticket is available if you only want the fort, but it does not include the walls. Reaching the entrance involves a steep climb up stone steps from the Pile side, and inside there are more stairs and uneven surfaces, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Two drawbridges lead into the fort.
Allow 30 to 45 minutes. Late afternoon light on the western face of the walls is particularly good for photographs. Afterwards, walk back through the Pile Gate onto Stradun.
Fort Lovrijenac FAQs
Is Fort Lovrijenac included in the city walls ticket?
Yes. The walls ticket includes entry to Lovrijenac, but a Lovrijenac-only ticket does not include the walls.
How high is the fortress?
It stands on a rock about 37 metres above sea level.
What does the inscription over the gate mean?
Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro is usually translated as freedom is not to be sold for all the gold in the world.
Why are some walls so thin?
The seaward walls are up to 12 metres thick, but the wall facing the city is only about 60 centimetres, so the fort could not easily be used against Dubrovnik.
Are plays performed there?
Yes. Hamlet has been staged at Lovrijenac during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival since 1952 and has become a symbol of the festival.
How do I get there?
Walk out of the Pile Gate and follow the signed stone steps up from the Pile side; the climb is steep.
How long should I allow?
About 30 to 45 minutes for the courtyard, terraces and views.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs?
No. Access is by steep steps and the fort has further stairs and uneven floors.