Bokar Fortress: From Cannon Tests to King’s Landing

Situated on the southwestern corner of Dubrovnik’s defense system, Bokar Fortress sits atop a high, steep cliff, standing as a striking example of Renaissance military architecture. It is a must-see stop when touring the city walls. Because of the mandatory one-way route, it will be the very first fortress you visit if you begin your tour from Stradun (the western entrance to the walls). The fortress offers panoramic views of the open sea and Lovrijenac Fortress across the bay.

Construction

Dubrovnik is a city that spent centuries perfecting the arts of defense and diplomacy. Construction of Bokar began at a critical historical moment in the mid-15th century—specifically in 1461, the same year work began on Minčeta Tower. At the time, the Republic of Ragusa felt mounting pressure from major powers: the Ottoman Empire by land and Venice by sea. Strengthening the western approach to the city became an absolute necessity.

The lead designer was the renowned Florentine architect Michelozzo di Bartolomeo. Stylistically, the fortress belongs to the Early Renaissance, and its circular shape was a direct response to the development of firearms and heavy artillery. Construction was a long process, reaching completion only in 1570—more than a century after work began—following upgrades designed by military engineer Antonio Ferramolino of Bergamo.

Bokar was designed as a two-story casemated fortress, extending outward from the medieval wall to control access to the Pile Gate and protect the moat. Built across two levels, its interior conceals spacious vaulted rooms, while an open platform sits at the top.

Thanks to its exceptional acoustics and open-air terraces, the fortress now serves as a unique stage for performances, particularly during the annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival.

Game of Thrones

Bokar Fortress is one of the key filming locations used for the exterior shots of King’s Landing in the HBO series Game of Thrones. It appears in numerous shots of the city walls, often multiplied using CGI to make the fortifications look even more imposing.

Key scenes filmed at this location include:

• Defense Strategy (Season 2): Tyrion Lannister and Lord Varys walk along the walls of Bokar Fortress, gazing out to sea as they plan the defense of the city against Stannis Baratheon’s fleet ahead of the Battle of the Blackwater.
• Alliance with Euron (Season 7): In the exact same spot, Cersei Lannister outlines her strategy to Jaime regarding an alliance with Euron Greyjoy.
• Daenerys and Drogon (Season 8): In the fifth episode of the final season (“The Bells”), Daenerys Targaryen sits atop Drogon on the crest of Bokar Fortress at the critical moment she decides to burn the city, despite the surrender bells ringing.