Fort Bokar

Fort Bokar, located at the southwestern corner of the walls of Dubrovnik, is one of the finest examples of Renaissance fortified architecture. Built between 1461 and 1463 according to the design of the Florentine architect Michelozzo di Bartolomeo, the fort was conceived to defend the city’s main entrance, the Pile Gate, and represents a masterpiece of military engineering of its time. The history of Fort Bokar is closely linked to the need to protect Dubrovnik from enemy incursions. Michelozzo, known for his innovative work and ability to integrate classical elements into functional structures, designed the fort with a semicircular shape to improve the distribution of defensive fire and increase structural stability. The fort’s position on a detached rock, allowing seawater to flow underneath it, not only adds an aesthetic touch but also makes it difficult to assault the foundations. Completed in 1570 after almost a century of debates on its construction, Fort Bokar is considered one of the oldest casemated forts in Europe. This two-story structure contains numerous cannon loopholes and other defensive weapons, which were used to protect the city from attacks by land and sea. Its construction was a key point in the defense of Dubrovnik, particularly during the numerous conflicts the city faced over the centuries. In addition to its strategic importance, Fort Bokar has significant architectural value. Its walls up to six meters thick, the nearly perfect cylindrical structure, and the dominant position offer a spectacular panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea and the old town. This combination of beauty and functionality has made the fort a paradigmatic example of Renaissance fortification, appreciated by both historians and visitors. During the Croatian War of Independence in the early ’90s, Fort Bokar again played a crucial role. The city of Dubrovnik was under siege, and the fort served as a fundamental point of resistance, protecting Croatian defenders from attacks by Yugoslav forces. The scars of the conflict are still visible on its walls, testifying to the resilience and determination of the inhabitants of Dubrovnik. Today, Fort Bokar is open to the public year-round and is one of the main tourist attractions in Dubrovnik. It is particularly famous for being one of the filming locations for the TV series “Game of Thrones,” where it appears as part of the defenses of the fictional city of King’s Landing. This has brought a significant influx of tourists eager to see the filming locations in person. Inside the fort, visitors can explore the ancient halls and see a collection of cannons and historical artifacts, as well as a small lapidary collection of gemstones. Access to the fort is through the city walls, offering a scenic route that allows you to admire the beauty of Dubrovnik from a privileged viewpoint.