HVAR (Croatia): Episode 2 - Spanjola (Hvar's Venetian Fortiza)

Perched on top of a 100m high hill, this medieval castle occupies the site of an ancient Illyrian settlement dating from before 500 BC. It later became the site of a Byzantine citadel probably around the 6th century AD.

The Venetians began construction of the current fortress in 1278 for protection against the pirates rampaging through the Adriatic. However, it was the town that financed the construction from the proceeds of selling salt.

At one point in the 14th century, Spanish engineers participated in the project which is how the fort acquired its nickname, Spanjola.

The fortress was strengthened in 1551. When Turks attacked the town in 1571, the entire population took shelter within the fort as the town was plundered and set on fire. In the 19th century, the Austrians took over and the fortress was remodeled with larger barracks and raised battlements.

It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the town up to the fort. Take the stairs next to Cafe Loco and climb to a road before taking more stairs. The path is well-signposted. Admission is 30Kn.

If you have your own vehicle, you can drive up to the very top and park close to the entrance. You may also take a taxi for 100KN like what we need.

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