St. John’s Fortress Tickets & Tours & Informataion January 2025

St. John’s Fortress

St. John’s Fortress, or Fort St. Ivana, is a prominent coastal fortification that forms part of Dubrovnik’s impressive city walls. Built in the 16th century to protect the city’s harbor from sea attacks, the fortress played a crucial role in safeguarding Dubrovnik’s maritime trade and wealth. Its unique semicircular design allowed it to effectively defend both the harbor and the eastern approach to the city. Today, St. John’s Fortress houses two important attractions: the Maritime Museum, which showcases Dubrovnik’s seafaring history, and the Aquarium, which displays the diverse marine life of the Adriatic Sea.

The Basics

Visitors can explore two main sections of the fortress:

Maritime Museum: Spread over two floors, the museum exhibits model ships, navigational instruments, maritime maps, and artifacts that tell the story of Dubrovnik’s naval power during the time of the Republic of Ragusa.

Aquarium: Located in the lower levels of the fortress, the aquarium features tanks with local marine species, including fish, sea turtles, and crustaceans, providing an educational experience about the Adriatic ecosystem.
The fortress also offers stunning views of the Old Port and Lokrum Island.

Things to Know Before You Go

Entrance Fee: There is a combined ticket for the Maritime Museum and Aquarium, though admission to the fortress itself is included in the city walls ticket.

The interior can be cool, especially in the aquarium section, so bringing a light jacket is recommended.

The fortress is suitable for families, with the aquarium being a favorite among children.

Guided tours are available for those who want in-depth information about Dubrovnik’s maritime heritage.

How to Get There

St. John’s Fortress is located on the eastern side of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, overlooking the harbor. From Stradun, walk toward Ploče Gate and follow signs leading to the Old Port. The fortress is easily recognizable by its large curved walls extending into the sea.

When to Get There

The fortress is open year-round, with longer hours during the summer tourist season. Visiting in the morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the peak heat of midday and large tour groups. If you’re interested in photography, sunset provides beautiful lighting over the Old Port and Lokrum Island.

Day Trips from Dubrovnik

After exploring the fortress, take a stroll along the Old Port, where you can watch boats and yachts coming and going or join a boat tour to Lokrum Island. Nearby attractions include Sponza Palace, Rector’s Palace, and the Church of St. Blaise. For a more active experience, consider joining a sea kayaking tour around the city walls, which offers a unique perspective of St. John’s Fortress from the water. End your visit with a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants near the Old Port, where you can enjoy fresh seafood with views of the harbor.