Climbing to the Fortica (Španjola) from the Square

What it is

The Fortica, also called Španjola (the Spanish fortress), is the castle that crowns the hill above Hvar town. The city walls, begun in the 13th century, run down from it to the harbour and enclose the northern district. Up there there was already a prehistoric fortified settlement, with pottery that proves long-distance trade from the 8th century BC. The present fortress was built after a gunpowder explosion destroyed the previous one in 1579, in Venetian times. In 1811, under Napoleon, another fort was built on the highest hill, to the north-east, which is not visited with this ticket.

What you see

At the top you walk the bastions and battlements, and from the terraces you have below the harbour, the old town's rooftops, St Stephen's cathedral and, opposite, the whole string of the Pakleni islands. Inside is the hydro-archaeological collection, with amphorae and objects recovered from the seabed around the island.

In summer, Hvar Tourism organises the Fortica Sunset Sessions at the fortress, concerts at dusk: check the dates in its calendar.

How to climb

You leave from St Stephen's Square, the great square by the harbour, and climb the stepped lanes of the Groda district, on the north side of the square. When the houses end a zigzag path continues between pines and agaves to the fortress gate. It is a short but sustained climb, almost all slope or steps. You cannot go up with a pushchair and it is not wheelchair accessible.

Hours and price

The 2026 hours published by Hvar Tourism are 9:00 to 18:00, with entry €12. The €15 combined ticket adds the Hvar Theatre (one of the oldest public theatres in Europe, from 1612), the Loggia, the clock tower and the church of St John; the Arsenal, which also appears on the ticket, is closed to visits. In winter the hours are reduced: confirm them on the Hvar Tourism website or at the ticket office before climbing.

How long

Allow an hour and a half for the climb, the visit and the descent. If you sit to look at the harbour, more.

When to go

First thing or in the last hour before closing. At midday the path is in the sun, without shade, and in July and August the climb is heavy. If you coincide with a sunset concert, it is the best excuse to be up there in the low light.

With children

Children climb well if they are used to walking; at the top there are cannons, loopholes and walls to explore. Watch them on the battlements. Bring water: there are no fountains on the path.

To round off the day

Go down the same way and stay in the square as evening falls, or the next day cross by water taxi to the Pakleni. For dinner in town there is Konoba Menego, on the Groda stairs, on the way to the fortress.