Looming over the harbour and the eastern part of Dubrovnik is the well-preserved Revelin Fort. Once built to protect the city walls, it now houses a museum during the day before transforming into a club at night. It also hosts festivals during the summer.
The original fort was built in 1462 in answer to the threat of the Turks, and was further fortified in the 16th century to defend the city against Venice, a major rival for control of the Adriatic Sea.
The Dubrovnik Archaeological Museum unearths the city's turbulent history through two permanent exhibitions on the fort’s ground floor. Featuring stone church furniture from the 8th to 12th centuries, you will see altar balustrades, pulpits, columns and capitals in The Early Medieval Sculpture exhibit. For an in-depth view of Revelin Fort's construction during the 15th and 16th centuries, head over to the Revelin exhibition. Both exhibitions are open every day with the exception of Wednesday.
The first floor of the fort is frequently rented out to different organisations for conferences, presentations and events. If it isn't currently occupied, you can stroll around the spacious room and admire the architecture.
For sweeping views of the old harbour, ascend to the impressive stone terrace that tops the fort. The large expanse is a hub for cultural and artistic events, and often hosts concerts from early July to mid-August during the annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival.
As the sun sets, party revellers gravitate towards the fort's Culture Club Revelin, one of the hottest in the city's nightclub scene. Dance until dawn within the fortress to an eclectic mix of house music and hip hop by local and international DJs. You can find the club just inside the fort near the main entrance.
Revelin Fort is located within the Old Town on the eastern side of Dubrovnik, not far from the Ploče Gate. While the Old Town is only open to pedestrians, it is accessible by bus from the outer suburbs, airport and harbour. The fort is open every day and there is an entry fee.
