Fortress Fortica, Hvar (must see)
Hvar Fortress, commonly known as "Fortica" or "Spanish Fortress Hvar," is an iconic attraction in Hvar, Croatia, and an absolute must-visit. It stands as the most recognizable symbol of Hvar town. The fortress's origins can be traced back to the early 16th century, and it underwent significant renovations in 1579.
The foundations of Hvar Fortress rest upon ancient fortifications dating back to the first half of the first millennium BC. Byzantine forts were constructed in the 6th century, and the modern fortress's development began in 1282 during Venetian rule. Its construction was protracted, often supported by the proceeds from salt sales.
This fortress is a complex architectural marvel due to the irregular terrain it occupies. It comprised four towers, revelines, battlements, a loophole, a gunpowder building, one large and one smaller water tank, a crew room, a jail, and even a chapel. Together with the city walls, the fortress creates a formidable stronghold.
Construction began in 1278 when Hvar was under Venetian rule, although archaeological findings suggest that fortified structures may have existed there earlier. In 1551, a new fortress was erected on the site of the ancient fortification. Just two decades later, during the harrowing Turkish attack of 1571, local residents sought refuge and protection within its walls. However, in 1579, a thunderbolt struck the gunpowder depot, causing a devastating explosion and extensive damage. Restoration efforts did not commence until the early 17th century, under the rule of Prince Pietro Semitecolo. During this period, the Baroque bastions were added. In 1775-1776, during the reign of Maria Theresa, the Austrians constructed barracks within the fortress.
Today, Hvar Fortress houses a small museum featuring an impressive collection of amphoras, providing visitors with an opportunity to delve into the historical treasures of this remarkable site.
The foundations of Hvar Fortress rest upon ancient fortifications dating back to the first half of the first millennium BC. Byzantine forts were constructed in the 6th century, and the modern fortress's development began in 1282 during Venetian rule. Its construction was protracted, often supported by the proceeds from salt sales.
This fortress is a complex architectural marvel due to the irregular terrain it occupies. It comprised four towers, revelines, battlements, a loophole, a gunpowder building, one large and one smaller water tank, a crew room, a jail, and even a chapel. Together with the city walls, the fortress creates a formidable stronghold.
Construction began in 1278 when Hvar was under Venetian rule, although archaeological findings suggest that fortified structures may have existed there earlier. In 1551, a new fortress was erected on the site of the ancient fortification. Just two decades later, during the harrowing Turkish attack of 1571, local residents sought refuge and protection within its walls. However, in 1579, a thunderbolt struck the gunpowder depot, causing a devastating explosion and extensive damage. Restoration efforts did not commence until the early 17th century, under the rule of Prince Pietro Semitecolo. During this period, the Baroque bastions were added. In 1775-1776, during the reign of Maria Theresa, the Austrians constructed barracks within the fortress.
Today, Hvar Fortress houses a small museum featuring an impressive collection of amphoras, providing visitors with an opportunity to delve into the historical treasures of this remarkable site.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Hvar. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Fortress Fortica on Map
Sight Name: Fortress Fortica
Sight Location: Hvar, Croatia (See walking tours in Hvar)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Hvar, Croatia (See walking tours in Hvar)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Hvar, Croatia
Create Your Own Walk in Hvar
Creating your own self-guided walk in Hvar is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hvar Introduction Walking Tour
The biggest settlement on the Croatian island of the same name, Hvar is affectionately referred to as 鈥淐roatian Madeira鈥�. The town boasts more than 2724 hours of sunshine per year, which is more than anywhere else in the country, plus a millennia-long history to boot.
Originally settled by Illyrians, it evolved from a small bay with a hill fort to a Greek colony, Pharos, in 384 BC. Romans... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Originally settled by Illyrians, it evolved from a small bay with a hill fort to a Greek colony, Pharos, in 384 BC. Romans... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles