Cannon Platforms

Overview

Perched dramatically on a 37-meter high sea cliff just outside the western walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia, Fort Lovrijenac stands as a formidable symbol of the city's enduring independence. Within its ancient stone embrace lie the historic Cannon Platforms, silent sentinels that once played a crucial role in safeguarding the Republic of Ragusa. This triangular fortress, often dubbed 'Dubrovnik's Gibraltar,' offers not only a journey back in time but also breathtaking panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, Kolorina Bay, and the iconic Dubrovnik Old Town. Today, while its defensive days are long past, the fort continues to capture the imagination of visitors, serving as a significant cultural landmark and a poignant reminder of Dubrovnik's resilient spirit.

History & Cultural Background

The origins of Fort Lovrijenac are shrouded in a tale of swift action and defiance. Historical accounts suggest its construction began as early as the 11th century, specifically between 1018 and 1038, driven by the pressing threat of Venetian expansion. Legend holds that the citizens of Dubrovnik, learning of Venice's plan to build a fort on the same strategic rock, rallied to construct Lovrijenac in a mere three months, thwarting the Venetian ambition. The fortress was continuously reinforced and adapted over centuries, with significant alterations made during the 15th and 16th centuries. Its unique architectural design was a testament to brilliant strategic thinking: the walls facing the open sea, the most likely direction of attack, were built up to an astounding 12 meters thick. In stark contrast, the walls facing the city were deliberately constructed to be a mere 60 centimeters thick. This ingenious vulnerability served as a fail-safe, ensuring that if the fort's commander ever harbored rebellious intentions, the city's own artillery could easily neutralize the threat.

Integral to Lovrijenac's defense were its cannon platforms. The rooftop of the fort featured ten large cannons, powerful deterrents against naval attacks and incursions. Above the main entrance, a timeless inscription in Latin declares, 'NON BENE PRO TOTO LIBERTAS VENDITUR AURO'—'Freedom is not to be sold for all the gold in the world'—a powerful motto encapsulating the Republic's unwavering commitment to its independence.

What Makes It Special

The Cannon Platforms of Fort Lovrijenac are special not just for the weaponry they once held, but for what they represent: the fierce determination of a small republic to defend its liberty against powerful empires. These platforms were the forefront of Dubrovnik's maritime defense, providing a commanding position to guard the western approach to the city and the vital Kolorina Bay. The placement of each cannon was meticulously planned to maximize defensive capabilities, making the fort an almost impenetrable barrier from the sea. The sheer scale of the sea-facing walls, designed to withstand heavy bombardment, speaks volumes about the engineering prowess and strategic foresight of Dubrovnik's builders. Beyond their practical use, the platforms offer a palpable connection to the historical struggles and triumphs of the city, standing as a testament to an era when freedom was vigilantly protected by stone and cannon.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Among the ten cannons that once graced Lovrijenac's platforms, one stands out in legend: 'Gušter,' or 'The Lizard.' Cast in 1537 by master Ivan Rabljanin, this colossal bronze cannon measured five meters in length and weighed over three tons, earning its reptilian nickname from its light green patina. Despite its intimidating presence and formidable size, the 'Lizard' famously never fired a single shot in anger. The story goes that after the devastating earthquake of 1667, when Venetian galleons attempted to exploit the city's weakened defenses, the fort's staff captain, Pero Ohmučević, ordered the 'Lizard' to fire, its thunderous roar reportedly scaring the attackers away. However, its ultimate fate is equally legendary. During the Austrian occupation in the 19th century, efforts to transport the 'Lizard' to a museum in Vienna proved disastrous. Unable to pass through the fort's narrow entrance, it was being lowered to a raft from the seaside when the ropes broke, sending the magnificent cannon plunging into the Adriatic Sea, where it remains lost to this day. Some whisper that the townspeople intentionally severed the ropes, unwilling to see such a potent symbol of their defense become a mere museum exhibit. As a tribute to this martial heritage, a replica cannon, cast in 1573 by Jeronim Vicenco, was installed at Lovrijenac on December 5, 2017.

Today, the cannon platforms and the fort itself take on a different role. Lovrijenac is renowned as one of the main open-air stages for the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, particularly famous for performances of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' where the dramatic setting enhances the timeless tragedy. It has also gained modern fame as a filming location, notably serving as the 'Red Keep' in the popular television series 'Game of Thrones,' adding another layer to its rich narrative.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Cannon Platforms within Fort Lovrijenac offers a unique blend of historical immersion and breathtaking scenery. The climb to the fort, while involving over 200 steps, is well worth the effort, revealing increasingly spectacular views with every turn. Upon reaching the platforms, travelers can walk where defenders once stood, gazing out at the vast expanse of the Adriatic and the ancient City Walls of Dubrovnik, just as the watchful sentinels did centuries ago. The atmosphere is one of profound historical weight and serene beauty. The relatively sparse interior allows the imagination to fill the spaces, envisioning the bustling activity of a medieval garrison. Many visitors find it a less crowded alternative to the City Walls, offering a peaceful experience and ample opportunities for reflection and photography. The experience is often included with a ticket to the Dubrovnik City Walls, making it an accessible and enriching addition to exploring Dubrovnik's storied past.