Bokar Fortress, Fortified tower in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Bokar Fortress is a limestone bastion at the western corner of Dubrovnik's city walls, spanning two levels with a distinctive semicircular design. The structure extends partially over a detached rock formation, supported by arched foundations that allow seawater to flow beneath.
The fortress was built between 1461 and 1463 by Florentine architect Michelozzo di Bartolomeo to protect the Pile Gate and surrounding defenses. It emerged during a period when Dubrovnik reinforced its walls against emerging military threats from the sea and land.
The fortress reflects how residents prioritized defense by positioning this structure at the city's most vulnerable point. Its role as a guardian of the main gate remains visible through its strategic placement and thick stone walls.
Access the fortress by walking the Town Walls circuit, where you can view historical cannons and collections of precious stones along the path. The route includes narrow passages and stairs, so wear comfortable shoes for easier navigation.
The fortress was specially engineered to allow seawater to flow underneath its structure, a technical achievement of Renaissance builders. This solution enabled the builders to construct the bastion on a partially detached rock without completely isolating it from the shore.
Location: Dubrovnik
Made from material: limestone
GPS coordinates: 42.64092,18.10613
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45
The old town of Dubrovnik sits on the Adriatic coast and shows buildings from the 13th to the 17th centuries. The city was an independent maritime republic for hundreds of years and developed its own architecture that combines Venetian and local elements. The city walls enclose a compact core of palaces, churches and public squares built on limestone. The main street Stradun runs straight through the town and connects the main gates. At both ends stand fountains from the 15th century that once secured the water supply. The Rector's Palace shows how the elected rulers lived and worked, while Sponza Palace once served as a customs house and mint. The city wall itself is walkable and offers views of the sea and the rooftops of the old town. Several fortresses reinforced the defenses: Fort Lovrijenac perches on a rock outside the walls, Revelin Fortress protected the eastern approach, and the sea wall ends at St. John's Fortress, which now houses a maritime museum. Lokrum Island lies just a short boat ride away and was once a monastic site. Today plants from different climates grow there. The beaches around Dubrovnik often sit in small coves between rocks, where the water is clear and deep. The Dominican Monastery and Franciscan Monastery preserve art and manuscripts from the republic's era. The cathedral was rebuilt in baroque style after an earthquake in the 17th century destroyed the older church.
Walls of Dubrovnik
184 m
Lovrijenac
142 m
Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik
392 m
Dubrovnik Cathedral
368 m
Sponza Palace
363 m
Orlando's Column
342 m
St Blaise's Church
342 m
Franciscan Church and Monastery
154 m
Saint Ignatius Church
308 m
St. Saviour Church
107 m
Minčeta
293 m
Holy Annunciation Orthodox church
224 m
Clock tower
374 m
Dominican Church and Monastery in Dubrovnik
441 m
Onofrio fountain
112 m
City Guard Building
369 m
Mala Onofrijeva česma
364 m
Skočibuha palace
426 m
St. Claire's convent
76 m
The State Archives in Dubrovnik
382 m
Marin Držić Theatre
394 m
Danče Beach
439 m
St. Mary church and monastery at Danče
372 m
Buža Beach
304 m
Natural History Museum (Dubrovnik)
320 m
Dominican Monastery
430 m
Crkva Domino
156 m
War Photo Limited
228 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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