Bokar, Dubrovnik

Bokar is a defensive tower built into Dubrovnik’s city walls, at their western end near Lovrijenac Fortress. It ranks among the five most important towers in the walls. Its compact, horseshoe-shaped form has three cornices and a carefully balanced circular volume.

Construction began in 1461 and was completed in 1570 from designs by Michelozzo. The tower protected the moat and the bridge at Pile Gate with cannon fire, while also watching the sea approach in case of siege or an enemy landing at Pile harbour. Inside, a casemate stored ammunition and smaller guns.

Its position facing the sea also made it useful for artillery practice: from 1463, Dubrovnik tested cannon range here. The strong curved masonry you can see embodies both military control and practical engineering.