Tvrđava svete Margarite

Gazing up at Tvrđava svete Margarite, it’s hard not to feel a shiver of awe. This isn’t just another pretty fortress. It’s a survivor, a testament to Dubrovnik’s enduring spirit. Tvrđava svete Margarite stands proudly within Dubrovnik’s southern city walls, its irregular polygonal shape a unique feature in the city’s defenses. Its strategic position guarding the sea channel between Dubrovnik and Lokrum Island made it a key player in the city’s protection. Originally, the construction of Tvrđava svete Margarite began in 1426. Records show it started as a large square structure, each side over 10 meters wide, with two vaults. The lower vault was at the level of the city walls’ defensive walkway, while the upper vault crowned the tower. There was even an open arch connecting the ground floor to the nearby Church of St. Margaret, creating a sheltered courtyard beneath the vault. The tower underwent a significant reconstruction in 1571, overseen by Seporo Mateucci, the general captain of Dubrovnik’s army. Sadly, this meant demolishing the original Church of St. Margaret and surrounding houses to strengthen the city’s defenses. A new church dedicated to St. Margaret was later rebuilt nearby. Tvrđava svete Margarite has faced its share of challenges. The 1667 earthquake caused significant damage. In 1724, its cannons were removed and transferred to the Oružje Square below Revelin Fortress. Repairs continued until 1753. The fortress is built between two rock masses, and the sea relentlessly batters this section of the wall. Over time, the waves carved a massive cavity, about 7 meters in each dimension, beneath Tvrđava svete Margarite. This discovery after the 1979 earthquake led to urgent repairs. The cavity was filled with concrete, and a reinforced concrete wall sealed the opening. Further stabilization involved injecting the surrounding rock with concrete, a necessary measure to fortify the tower against the powerful waves. Looking at it now, you can see the strength, not just of the stone and concrete, but of the people who rebuilt and reinforced Tvrđava svete Margarite time and again.