The Ravelin Fortress is located on the eastern side of the city close to the Ploce gate. The name is derived from the word "rivelino" which in the fortification architecture means “built along the city gate.” The older fort on this spot was built in 1462 as a separate fort that secured the eastern approaches to the city from the land. In the 16th century Dubrovnik came under increasing threat from Venice, so that a need arose for the strengthening of the old fort. The new fortress was designed by Antonio Ferramolina and was shaped as an irregular rectangle surrounded with a deep moat. The interior of the fortress is made out of three parts with a large terrace on the top. The fortress was built in short time because all the private and public construction in the city was diverted to assist with the construction of the fortress. The skill of its builder is reflected in the fact that Revelin wasn't harmed in the great earthquake that struck the city in 1667. Today many plays are held on the top of the fort during the Dubrovnik summer festival.

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