LOVRIJENAC FORTRESS

Fortress of St Lawrence is also known as ˝Gibraltar of Dubrovnik˝ and is one of the most impressive locations in Dubrovnik.

The story goes that the Venetians intended to build their fortress on that same spot at the beginning of 11th century, in order to control Dubrovnik. The people of Dubrovnik heard of this intention and immediately decided to build the fortress on 37 m high cliff in order to protect Dubrovnik from Venetians. They allegedly built it in only three months and when the Venetians came with ships full of building material they had to return home with an unfinished task.

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total-croatia-news.com

It was built on the 37m high cliff outside the western part of the city walls. The fortress has a triangular shape with three terraces, the sea side of the fortress has walls that are thick 12 m (40 feet) and the ones facing the land are thick 60 cm (2 feet). The main reason for this was not only in the case of the attack of a foreign enemy but also the possible rebellion of the Commander in charge of the fortress. The thinner part of the wall could never hold against the firepower from fort Bokar. St Lawrence fortress along with fort Bokar also protect the oldest port of the City- Kolorina.

Throughout the centuries the fortress was adapted numerous times, the majority of the alterations were done in the 15th and 16th century. Since it was damaged in the catastrophic earthquake in 1667 the restoration began instantly and it lasted until the end of the 17th century. Inside of the fortress, there are three terraces, the widest one is looking south towards the sea. St Lawrence was defended with 10 cannons, the largest one was named ˝the Lizard˝(in Croatian ˝Gušter˝) made by Croatian cannon maker Ivan Rabljanin.

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Photo credit: thedubrovniktimes.com

The Lizard was lost at the bottom of the sea below St Lawrence. During the Austrian occupation the Austrians wanted to take this marvelous cannon to Vienna, as they were trying to transport it, it fell into the sea and it has never been found since. For centuries, this fortress was the greatest defender of the City’s freedom, above its entrance there is a message engraved; NON BENE PRO TOTO LIBERTAS VENDITUR AURO, meaning; Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world. Today the fortress is known as one of the most beautiful stages for the plays such as ˝Hamlet˝ during the Dubrovnik Summer festival.

 

DID YOU KNOW? Lovrijenac was one of the main Game Of Thrones filming locations

Get in touch

Poljana Paska Milicevica, 20000 Dubrovnik

M: info@wallsofdubrovnik.com

W: www.wallsofdubrovnik.com

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Photo credit: dubrovnikgameofthronestour.com

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