Lovrijenac Fortress

THINGS TO DO, DUBROVNIK Updated : Mar 6, 2017, 03.36 PM IST

Priti Zararia

Priti Zararia is a traveller, explorer, travel writer and a photographer. She has lived and traveled around Europe extensively. She has delved into diverse historical and cultural experiences across Western, Central, Eastern Europe and Asia. Besides the usual ‘things to do’ her guides feature must-try food & wines, must watch musicals and hike to offbeat places around popular destinations. She has traveled to over 30 countries and dreams of traveling to each and every country across the globe. Other than writing for Happytrips, she posts exclusive travel stories on her travel blog https://ilovetripping.com/.

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Located outside the western wall of the city, the Lovrijenac Fortress holds importance as it was strategically built as a defence post. Built in 13th century, the fortress has gone through several reconstructions; the last one being carried out in 17th century. The fort was built on 37 m triangular high rock with terraces overlooking the sea. This makes it one of the most impressive locations in Dubrovnik. Legend has it that the fort was constructed in a short span of 3 months to ward off eminent attacks from Venetians. The fort was defended with 10 large cannons, out of which only one is left intact. Sitting on top of a terrace, the largest cannon known as ‘Gušter’ (the Lizard), still guards the fort. The marvellous carvings on the cannon reveal the medieval craftsmanship of Dalmatians. During Dubrovnik Summer Festival, the fort becomes a stage for Shakespeare's Hamlet. In recent times, the Lovrijenac Fortress shot to fame for being featured prominently in the famous ‘Game of Thrones’ series. The fort is featured as the ‘King’s Landing’ and in several other scenes with stunning walls and water backdrop highlighting the medieval drama.
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