Fort Bokar - brown brick wall with flag of us a on top
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Fort Bokar

4.8
·523 reviews·Dubrovnik, Croatia

A 15th-century cylindrical fortress on Dubrovnik's walls, offering stunning sea views and a glimpse into historical defense.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunny mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
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Fort Bokar - brown brick wall with flag of us a on top

Fort Bokar

Best Time

Sunny mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 15th-century cylindrical fortress on Dubrovnik's walls, offering stunning sea views and a glimpse into historical defense.

4.8
(523 reviews)

"This fortress was spectacular when we visited on the second day in Dubrovnik on a sunny day. This is not to be missed!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Dubrovnik Pass is Key

Get the Dubrovnik Pass for free entry to Fort Bokar & other sites. Great value!

☀️ Sunny Day Essential

Visit on a clear day for spectacular views and photos.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Circular Architecture

Circular Architecture

Western corner of Dubrovnik's city walls

Admire the unique 15th-century cylindrical design, a testament to Florentine engineering.

Reddit
Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Ramparts

Capture breathtaking vistas of Dubrovnik's Old Town and the Adriatic Sea from its strategic vantage point.

Reddit
Game of Thrones Location

Game of Thrones Location

Various points within the fortress

Explore a filming site for the popular series, adding a touch of fantasy to your visit.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Fortress Access & Timing

Fort Bokar is integrated into the Dubrovnik city walls. Access is typically via the main wall walk ticket or the Dubrovnik Pass. Consider visiting on a sunny day for the best views and photo opportunities. Reddit

Dubrovnik Pass Value

The Dubrovnik Pass can be a cost-effective option, covering Fort Bokar and many other attractions. It allows for flexible exploration, especially with unpredictable weather. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunny mornings
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Warmer, good for exploring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Fort Bokar. Dubrovnik, Croatia. Fort Bokar was built by the Florentine architect Michelozzo in 1461. It was the main tower protecting the walls from the sea.

🎟️ Dubrovnik Pass is Key

Get the Dubrovnik Pass for free entry to Fort Bokar & other sites. Great value! Reddit

☀️ Sunny Day Essential

Visit on a clear day for spectacular views and photos. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Part of Wall Walk

Fort Bokar is included in the main city walls ticket. Don't miss it! Reddit

🏊 Swim Under the Arch

For the adventurous, swim through the arch to the sea side. Be cautious! Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Dubrovnik Pass is Key

Get the Dubrovnik Pass for free entry to Fort Bokar & other sites. Great value! Reddit

☀️ Sunny Day Essential

Visit on a clear day for spectacular views and photos. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Part of Wall Walk

Fort Bokar is included in the main city walls ticket. Don't miss it! Reddit

🏊 Swim Under the Arch

For the adventurous, swim through the arch to the sea side. Be cautious! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(523 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Fort Bokar for its spectacular views and unique cylindrical architecture, noting its integration into the city walls as a significant plus. While some mention it's not fully explorable internally, its strategic location and historical value make it a highly recommended stop for anyone visiting Dubrovnik. Reddit

"Visited this fortress early April. Included in the Dubrovnik pass. Would highly recommend anyone to purchase the 3 days pass (€50) as weather was unpredictable and it included many attractions in one pass so one could explore Dubrovnik leisurely. This fortress was spectacular when we visited on the second day in Dubrovnik on a sunny day (first day was cloudy so we walked around Stradum without climbing the old city walls). This is not to be missed!"

Pei

"Located at the top of a steep cliff on the western corner of Dubrovnik's city walls, the Bokar Fortress was built in 15th century."

Mat Bienczyk

"Bokar fortress is circular design and was built according to the designs of Michelozzo di Bartololmeo of Florence.
It sits on top of a rocky outcrop and is designed to help defend the Pile gate and bastion and the Lovrijenac fortress. The building of the fort started in 1461. historical data shows that cannons were tested form atop of it and the fort was not completed for a long time afterwards. In 1470 a debate is held about the neccesity of finalizing the project. The fort had been roofed in 1555 and upgraded in 1570 to its present state"

Peter Mabon

What People Like

Spectacular city views
Unique cylindrical design
Part of wall walk

What People Dislike

Limited internal access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Fort Bokar is accessible as part of the Dubrovnik city walls walk. You'll need a ticket for the walls, or the Dubrovnik Pass, which includes entry. The fortress is located on the western side of the Old Town. Reddit

Fort Bokar is situated near the Pile Gate, at the western corner of the city walls. It's a natural part of the wall circuit, so you'll likely pass it during your walk. Reddit

No, private vehicles are not allowed within the Old Town of Dubrovnik. You'll need to park outside the city walls and walk in. Fort Bokar is best reached on foot as part of the city walls. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Fort Bokar is typically included with the ticket for the Dubrovnik city walls. The Dubrovnik Pass also covers entry, making it a convenient option if you plan to visit multiple attractions. Reddit

The opening hours for Fort Bokar generally align with the Dubrovnik city walls. It's best to check the official Dubrovnik Walls website for the most current hours, as they can vary seasonally. Reddit

Entry to Fort Bokar is usually included with your Dubrovnik city walls ticket. A single ticket for the walls costs around 35 Euros, but the Dubrovnik Pass offers better value if you're sightseeing extensively. Reddit

You can access the ramparts of Fort Bokar as part of the city walls walk. Some internal areas might be restricted, but the main defensive structures and viewpoints are accessible. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Fort Bokar offers impressive cylindrical architecture, panoramic views of Dubrovnik's Old Town and the Adriatic Sea, and is a known filming location for Game of Thrones. Reddit

Absolutely! Fort Bokar provides stunning photographic opportunities, especially on a sunny day, with its unique architecture and sweeping views of the coastline and city. Reddit

Some visitors have reported swimming through the arch beneath the fort to the sea side, though this should only be attempted with caution in calm weather. Reddit

Fort Bokar can get moderately crowded, especially during peak tourist season. Visiting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon can help avoid the largest crowds. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Fort Bokar offers a fascinating glimpse into history for families. The impressive fortress structure and the sweeping views can capture children's imaginations. It's a great place to discuss historical defense strategies and imagine life centuries ago. Remember that the city walls can be uneven and have many steps, so consider a stroller alternative for very young children. Reddit

Make it an adventure by pointing out the different parts of the fortress and the surrounding landscape. The Game of Thrones connection might also add an extra layer of excitement for older kids. Ensure everyone stays hydrated, especially during warmer months, as there are limited shaded areas on the walls. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Fort Bokar is a photographer's dream, offering a unique blend of historic architecture and stunning natural scenery. The cylindrical design of the fortress itself provides compelling compositional elements. Capture the intricate stonework, the strategic placement of cannons (if visible), and the dramatic angles of the structure against the blue sky or sea. Reddit

The real magic, however, lies in the breathtaking panoramic views. From the ramparts, you can frame iconic shots of Dubrovnik's Old Town, including its bell towers and red roofs, juxtaposed with the vast expanse of the Adriatic. For the best light, aim for early morning or late afternoon sessions to avoid harsh midday sun and capture the warm, golden hues. The fortress is also a recognized filming location, offering opportunities for themed shots. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Historical Significance and Architecture

Fort Bokar, a masterpiece of 15th-century military architecture, was designed by the renowned Florentine engineer Michelozzo di Bartolomeo. Its construction began in 1461, making it a crucial component in the defense of Dubrovnik against sea-based threats. The fortress is distinguished by its impressive cylindrical design, a departure from more common square or rectangular fortifications of the era. This circular form was strategically chosen to better withstand cannon fire and provide wider fields of vision for defenders. Reddit

The fort's primary role was to protect the Pile Gate and the western bastion of the city walls, as well as to provide support to the nearby Lovrijenac Fortress. Historical records indicate debates about the necessity of its completion, with the roofing added in 1555 and upgrades in 1570 bringing it to its present state. Exploring Fort Bokar offers a tangible connection to Dubrovnik's rich maritime and defensive history, showcasing the ingenuity of its builders. Reddit

Experiencing Fort Bokar Today

Today, Fort Bokar is an integral part of the Dubrovnik city walls experience. Visitors can walk along its ramparts, enjoying unparalleled panoramic views of the terracotta rooftops of the Old Town, the shimmering Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands. It's a prime spot for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The fortress also holds significance for fans of popular culture, having served as a filming location for the acclaimed series Game of Thrones. Reddit

While you can't explore every nook and cranny, the accessible parts of Fort Bokar offer a sense of its scale and strategic importance. For the truly adventurous, there's a local legend of swimming through the archway beneath the fort to the open sea, a daring feat best attempted with extreme caution and only in favorable conditions. Reddit The fortress provides a slightly quieter experience compared to the main sections of the walls, offering a moment of reflection amidst the historical grandeur. Reddit

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