Our first stop brings us to Lovrijenac Fortress. Often called Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar, this fortress has been a key part of the city’s defenses since it was built in the eleventh century. Its position on the cliff gave it a commanding view of the sea and made it virtually impossible for enemies to approach without being detected. Lovrijenac was primarily built to defend Dubrovnik from attacks by the Venetians, who were one of the city’s main rivals during the Middle Ages. The Venetians had long coveted Dubrovnik’s strategic location and wealth, and they frequently tried to conquer the city. In fact, there is a famous story about how Lovrijenac Fortress was built. The story goes that Venice wanted to extend its influence in this region and decided to build a fort at this strategic spot. Rusagan spies found out about it and they decided to beat the Venetians to it and this fort was constructed in just 3 months! Imagine the surprise of Venetians when they arrived in their big ships with building materials and found that it was already built! The fortress was equipped with a powerful arsenal of cannons, many of which were aimed directly at the sea, ready to fire upon any approaching ships. One of the most famous cannons is called “Guster,” and it still sits inside the fortress today. Lovrijenac’s thick walls and strategic position made it nearly impregnable, and it played a crucial role in protecting Dubrovnik from both land and sea attacks. If you look above the main entrance to the fortress, you’ll see an inscription carved into the stone that reads, “Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro,” which translates to “Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world.” This powerful motto reflects Dubrovnik’s fierce commitment to its independence and liberty, values that were at the heart of the city’s identity. In addition to its historical significance, Lovrijenac has also become a popular cultural venue. Each summer, the fortress hosts performances as part of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. The dramatic setting of the fortress, with the Adriatic Sea as a backdrop, creates an unforgettable atmosphere for these performances. If you have bought the Dubrovnik city pass or tickets to the wall, you can enter the fortress. From here, let us make the trek down to the west harbour.
