Fort Lovrijenac stands on a 37-metre sea cliff west of Dubrovnik's Pile Gate, built within three months in the early 11th century after Dubrovnik's citizens raced to prevent Venice constructing a fort on the same site.
The fortress
Lovrijenac's walls are 12 metres thick on the seaward face and just 60 centimetres on the city-facing side — so a rebellious commander could never hold it against his own city. Above the gate reads the Latin inscription: Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro — Liberty Cannot Be Sold for All the Gold in the World — the motto of the Republic of Ragusa that gives The Libertas Guide its name.
As a performance venue
Since 1952, Fort Lovrijenac has been the defining outdoor stage of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Shakespeare's Hamlet has been performed here by Derek Jacobi, Daniel Day-Lewis and Goran Višnjić. The cliff-top setting, with the Adriatic stretching to the horizon and the evening sky as backdrop, is unlike any other performance space in Europe.
Getting there
The fortress is accessible on foot from the Pile Gate — a steep climb on stepped paths. Entry fees apply year-round. During the Dubrovnik Summer Festival (10 July-25 August), most performances are ticketed through the festival box office. The Libertas Guide does not sell tickets.
Before you go
Arrive early to secure good sightlines for outdoor shows. Dress in layers — sea breezes can be cold after sunset even in summer. The fortress also served as a filming location for the TV series Knightfall (2017).