Gala venues

LOVRIJENAC FORT
Fort Lovrijenac, also known as Dubrovnik's Gibraltar, is a fortress and theatre located outside the western wall of the city of Dubrovnik, 37 m above sea level. Famous for its plays and importance in resisting Venetian rule, it overshadows the two entrances to the city, from the sea and by land.  Lovrijenac has a triangular shape with three terraces. The thickness of the walls facing the outside reach 12 m whereas the section of the walls facing the inside, the actual city, are only 60 cm thick. Two drawbridges lead to the fort and above the gate there is an inscription "Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro" – "Freedom is not to be sold for all the treasures in the world". Lovrijenac's use as a stage was a recent addition to the history of the fort, and the performance of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" has become the symbol of Dubrovnik's summer festival. It is well known as a great location for organizing gala venues, weddings, welcome receptions.....

REVELIN FORTRESS
The Revelin fortress has a particular place in the fortified architecture of the city, standing on a prominent site and reflecting the city’s power. It was built at the eastern entrance to the city, at Ploče Gate, to defend the eastern approach and the harbour of Dubrovnik. Its construction in stone began in the 15th century but the fortress gained its real dimensions and size in the 16th century. It was built according to the design and the model of Anton Ferramolino, an Italian architect from Bergamo.  The various shapes, including its roundness and sharpness, were formed and its powerfulness and impressive size were created through the hard labour of many hands that could be recognized in each stone that had to be brought, shaped, dressed and build into strong masonry, and its crenulations, sentinels, loops etc. It served several purposes throughout its history; both the Cathedral Treasury and also the city treasury were located there, it was the place of Dubrovnik Government Councils meetings and a garrison for some time. In more recent times, its wonderful large roof-terrace was the stage for many famous ballet dancers, folk ensembles and other musicians.

SPONZA PALACE
In the end of Placa (Stradun) street, on the left side of the square centred with Orlando column the monumental Gothic-Renaissance Sponza Palace found its rightful place. Sponza is one of the most beautiful palaces in the City, which has preserved its original form. Built 1516-1522, its form suggests possible appearance of the majority of public and private palaces in Dubrovnik before the earthquake of 1667. In the time of the Republic this palace housed the custom office and bonded warehouse, hence it was often referred to as Divona (from dogana - ”customs”). The Sponza Palace was the seat of a number of state offices. The palace also housed the mint, the bank, the treasury, and the armoury. The building is a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles, which was typical for the conservative Dubrovnik Republic of those times ; at the first floor elegant gothic monofores and trifores; the second floor is decorated with Renaissance windows, while the roof is built in Gothic style. The interior of Sponza consists in a round and spacious court, arranged as a double cloister, with round arches below and slightly pointed arches on the first floor.

PALM TERRACE
The Palm Terrace of the Excelsior Hotel in Dubrovnik is one of the most acclaimed gala event venues in the region, and the most sought after place to be in the night of the Dubrovnik Festival opening. Thanks to the uninterrupted views of the Dubrovnik Old Town and its ancient walls with reflections glistening in the crystal Adriatic, the Palm Terrace is a picture-perfect venue for truly unique events. Completely refurbished, hotel Excelsior has reopened its doors in June 2008 as one of the most luxurious hotels in the Mediterranean. The Excelsior Hotel is distinctive for its outstanding service of the highest quality. The special atmosphere of the hotel, with its personal touch and flawless service, has been recognized by many guests who keep returning to our hotel, enjoying the new amenities and services.

VALA BEACH CLUB
The private Vala Beach Club of Hotel Dubrovnik Palace is a luxury event venue literally carved into the stone scenery of the beach it resides on. Set around a private swimming pool and with endless views of the nearby islands and the open Adriatic, this fashionable venue is perfect for smaller gatherings and private celebrations. Owing to its wonderful views across the Adriatic, divine 'Comfort Zone' wellness and spa centre, conference rooms, a superb gastronomic offer, a night club and spectacular terraces with breathtaking sea views, the Dubrovnik Palace Hotel is a proud holder for two consecutive years of highly sought-after World Travel Awards accolades as the ‘Croatia’s Leading Hotel and Croatia’s Leading Spa Resort’.

TRSTENO AND KARAKA VESSEL
During the 16th century, when the Dubrovnik Republic was at its peak, its shipbuilding industry produced almost 200 ships for the seas of the world.
The citizens of Dubrovnik had earned a reputation as very distinguished builders of great karaka and galleon ships. That’s why the name “Argosy” (derived from Ragusa, as Dubrovnik was formerly known) became a synonym for a great trading ship, likely referring specifically to a karaka ship. It is even mentioned by Shakespeare in his play “The Merchant of Venice”. Now you can enjoy a panoramic cruise onboard the popular Karaka, beautiful replica of the 16th century vessel which will take you to the town of Trsteno. Starting with the onboard welcome cocktail to the gala dinner, you will enjoy your tme on the most authentic venue on the Adriatic coast.
Trsteno is an old settlement known for its sea captains and seamen, rich in history and natural heritage. Besides the parish church of St. Vid, which dates to the renaissance, there are five old chapels containing valuable paintings by famous masters. Trsteno is famous for its two 500 year old, gigantic Asiatic plane trees, protected monuments of nature, which are centrally located alongside the source. The abundant source of fresh water has ensured that Trsteno has lush, green vegetation, both natural and cultivated. The renowned Arboretum of the Croatian Academy of Science and Arts, which was established on the summer estate of the Dubrovnik aristocratic family Gucetic-Gozze, is famous for its rich and ancient collection of cultivated and exotic tree species and various plants spread throughout a renaissance park dating to the 15th century.