Valamar Blog

Lovrijenac is the most impressive and the highest fort of Dubrovnik, a magnificent fortification, often referred to in literature as the Gibraltar of Dubrovnik. The monumental fort rises above 37 meters high rock. It changed roles in the course of history. The main purpose of its construction was defense, and the main idea was to protect the freedom of Dubrovnik.

Although some chronics say that constructions began on this site in the 11th cent., the documents show that it was of crucial importance in the 14th cent., and that due to the important strategic position of the fort Lovrijenac, in the course of 15th, 16th, and 17th, the fort was rebuilt and strengthened. In this period, the Venetians represented a serious threat to the freedom of Dubrovnik. From the fort, the whole Town could be observed. Twenty guards lived in it, with a captain as their leader, who was a nobleman and replaced every month.

There is a stone inscription above the gates leading to the fort, saying: “Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro” – “Freedom is not on sale, not even for all the treasure on the world”. Still, after 450 years of independence and freedom of Dubrovnik, in 1806 it was overrun by Napoleon’s army and the French flag that rose over Lovrijenac symbolically marked the end of the famous era of the Republic of Ragusa. From that year till today, several governments and social orders changed, whilst Lovrijenac also changed its functions. During the World War II it even served as a prison.

After these turbulent times, and various destinies and tales told inside the great walls, since 1952, when Hamlet was played there for the first time, up till now, Lovrijenac has lived its new life in the service of art and creation. Shakespeare’s Lady Machbeth, Richard II. and III., King Lear, as well as plays by Euripides, Pirandello, Molliere, Brecht…

Many Croatian writers and directors also had the opportunity to use Lovrijenac as a perfect stage for their unforgettable plays, and we all wait impatiently for the future plays under the blue sky, within the Dubrovnik summer festival.