Name: Fort Lovrijenac
Address: Ul. od Tabakarije 29, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Rating: 4.7

Built along a 37-meter rock face, this 16th-century seaside fortress hosts theatrical performances.

Mostar Old Bridge

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Kravica Waterfall

Ostrog Orthodox Monastery

Dubrovnik Cable Car

Porto Montenegro

Fort Lovrijenac served as the Red Keep in the popular HBO series Game of Thrones, specifically for scenes set in King's Landing.

Game of Thrones Fame

The fort was defended by 10 cannons, the largest of which was called 'Gušter' (Lizard). Today, only one cannon remains.

Cannon Defense

Above the entrance, an inscription reads 'Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro' which translates to 'Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world'.

Defiant Inscription

Lovrijenac was strategically built on a 37-meter-high rock to defend against potential Venetian invasion and assert Dubrovnik's independence.

Strategic Independence

The fort has a unique triangular shape, perfectly fitting the rock on which it was built.

Unique Shape

Fort Lovrijenac

Fort Lovrijenac, perched dramatically on a 37-meter high rock just outside Dubrovnik's western wall, is more than just a defensive structure; it's a powerful symbol of the city's resilience. Unlike the city walls primarily facing the sea, Lovrijenac uniquely confronted both land and sea threats, acting as a crucial deterrent against Venetian incursions. Its triangular design, dictated by the rock's shape, features walls up to 12 meters thick facing the sea, a testament to its defensive purpose. Famously, a Latin inscription above the entrance reads "Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro" – "Liberty is not well sold for all the gold in the world," encapsulating Dubrovnik's fiercely independent spirit. Interestingly, the fort was often deliberately undermanned; Dubrovnik's rulers feared that a powerful garrison within Lovrijenac could potentially turn against them, highlighting the delicate balance of power within the Republic. The fort's limited internal space further emphasized its role as a strategic outpost rather than a self-sufficient stronghold.

Introduction

Fort Lovrijenac, often called "Dubrovnik's Gibraltar" due to its location atop a 27-meter high cliff just west of Dubrovnik's old town, prominently features as the Red Keep in "Game of Thrones," particularly in seasons 2 and 3. Its unique triangular shape is easily recognizable. The fort served as the setting for King Joffrey's name day tournament. It's also the backdrop for scenes featuring Podrick, Bronn, and Tyrion on the Red Keep's walls after the Battle of Blackwater.

Inside the Red Keep, Cersei confronts Littlefinger, exchanging the iconic lines, "Knowledge is power" and "Power is power." The scene where Tyrion slaps Joffrey after the attack at Pile Gate also occurs here. Fort Lovrijenac is featured in season 2 during Joffrey's name ceremony in "The North Remembers."

The entrance fee to the fortress is 75 Kunas, but access is included with the purchase of a ticket for the city walls. Several tours include the location, such as the "Game of Thrones Walk in Dubrovnik," "Private Game of Thrones Walking Tour of Dubrovnik + Trsteno Arboretum," "Private Game of Thrones Walking Tour of Dubrovnik," "Game of Thrones Walking Tour of Dubrovnik," and "King’s Landing Walking Tour in Dubrovnik."

Red Keep Filming Location

Fort Lovrijenac, an imposing Adriatic fortress in Dubrovnik, stands on a 37-meter high cliff outside the city walls, guarding the western approach to the Old Town. Its strategic position made it a crucial defensive point, commanding stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the orange rooftops of Dubrovnik. The fort's triangular design spans three levels, historically armed with ten large cannons to repel potential invaders from the sea.

As a key part of Dubrovnik's defense system, Fort Lovrijenac played a vital role in protecting the city from maritime threats. Its formidable presence ensured that any approaching naval force would face a significant challenge, deterring attacks and safeguarding the city's maritime trade routes. The fortress is accessible with a combined entry ticket that also includes the city walls, allowing visitors to explore both fortifications and appreciate their interconnected defensive roles.

Beyond its historical significance, Fort Lovrijenac offers a unique vantage point to observe the Adriatic coastline. The views from the fort extend far into the horizon, showcasing the sapphire blue waters that define the Dalmatian Coast. Today, visitors can explore the fort's interior, walk along its ramparts, and imagine the lives of the soldiers who once defended Dubrovnik from this strategic outpost. The fortress remains a powerful symbol of Dubrovnik's resilience and its enduring connection to the Adriatic Sea.

Adriatic Fortress

Fort Lovrijenac, a detached and formidable fortress in Dubrovnik, exemplifies historical defense architecture through its strategic positioning and structural evolution. Rising on a thirty-seven-meter high rock in the suburb of Pile, its location provided a commanding view and natural barrier against potential naval assaults. The fortress's origins trace back to 1018 and 1038, marking a significant period in the development of Dubrovnik's defensive capabilities. The integration of the chapel of St. Lawrence, for whom the fortress is named, into the fortification's body highlights the intertwining of religious and military architecture during its construction.

Lovrijenac's design reflects an understanding of siege warfare, with its imposing walls and elevated position making it a difficult target for attackers. The fortress served as a crucial strongpoint in Dubrovnik's defense system, complementing the city walls and other fortifications. Its strategic importance is underscored by its role in protecting the city's western approaches. The evolution of Lovrijenac's structure over centuries demonstrates the ongoing adaptation of defensive architecture to changing military technologies and threats. The fortress stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Dubrovnik's builders in creating a robust and effective defense system.

Historical Defense Architecture

Fort Lovrijenac, often called "Dubrovnik's Gibraltar," owes its nickname to its strategic location atop a 27-meter high cliff just west of Dubrovnik's old town. This imposing position mirrors Gibraltar's own formidable presence, commanding attention and offering unparalleled defensive advantages. The fort's unique triangular shape further distinguishes it, setting it apart from typical rectangular fortifications. Its three-tiered structure enhances its defensive capabilities, allowing for layered protection and strategic positioning of artillery.

Beyond its architectural merits and strategic importance, Fort Lovrijenac gained considerable fame as the Red Keep in the Game of Thrones series. Its walls served as the backdrop for iconic scenes, including the tournament held in King Joffrey's name and the aftermath of the Battle of Blackwater, where Podrick, Bronn, and Tyrion were seen surveying the damage. The fort's imposing presence and distinctive architecture made it a natural fit for the Red Keep, the seat of power in King's Landing. This connection to popular culture has further cemented Fort Lovrijenac's status as a must-see destination for visitors to Dubrovnik, drawn not only to its historical significance but also to its role in bringing a fictional world to life. Several tours, including the Game of Thrones Walk in Dubrovnik, offer visitors the chance to explore the fort and learn more about its history and its role in the series.

Fort Lovrijenac

Did You Know?

Game of Thrones Fame

Cannon Defense

Defiant Inscription

Strategic Independence

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