Fortress of San Lorenzo

The Fortress of Lovrijenac, often nicknamed the “Gibraltar of Dubrovnik”, is one of the most imposing and fascinating symbols of the city. Located 37 meters above sea level on a steep cliff, this fortress played a crucial role in defending Dubrovnik against land and sea invaders, particularly against the expansionist ambitions of the Republic of Venice. According to legend, the construction of the fortress took place in extraordinarily short times, with the citizens of Dubrovnik managing to complete it in just three months in the 11th century, anticipating the plans of the Venetians to erect their own fortification in the same place. This rapid and strategic construction demonstrated the determination and ingenuity of the Republic of Dubrovnik, establishing an essential defensive bulwark that would protect the city for centuries. The architecture of the Fortress of Lovrijenac is as impressive as its history. Designed with a triangular shape that follows the contours of the cliff, the fortress features three terraces with powerful parapets, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and the main points of access to the city. The outer walls, facing the sea and potential attackers, reach a thickness of 12 meters, while the inner walls, facing the city, are significantly thinner, measuring only 60 centimeters. This particular structural feature was not only a sign of defensive paranoia, but also a security measure against possible internal revolts, allowing the forces of Dubrovnik to quickly regain control of the fortress if necessary. Above the main entrance of the fortress, a famous inscription in Latin reads: “Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro” (“Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world”). This motto represents not only the indomitable spirit of the citizens of Dubrovnik, but also the invaluable value they attributed to their independence and freedom. During its active period, the fortress was armed with ten large cannons, the most famous of which was called “Gušter” (“The Lizard”), designed and built by the master Ivan Rabljanin in 1537. This beautifully carved cannon was never used in combat and was lost in the depths of the Adriatic during the fortress’s disarmament in the 19th century. The fortress also gained international notoriety as a filming location for the popular TV series “Game of Thrones”, where it was used as the set for the Red Keep in King’s Landing. This association further increased the charm of Lovrijenac, attracting fans of the series from around the world.