Spanjola Fortress dominates above the picturesque town Hvar, located on the same-named Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, and could be seen from all sides day and night.

Spanjola Fortress in Hvar, Croatia
On a way to it we went up tiny medieval Hvar streets, starting from the central square – the biggest medieval square in Croatia.

Adriatic Sea, Hvar, Croatia
Spanjola Fortress is delicately restored. It is very tide and clean inside, especially in the prison.
Six cozy single rooms… oops, sorry, I meant wards – all are sea-side and equipped with natural stony climate controlling system – stone perfectly keeps the required temperature.
Those, dissatisfied with the window view or the climate control, were usually fettered. The rest kept enjoying the apartments, resting on the cold floor.

One of the wards of Spanjola Fortress in Hvar, Croatia
Why Spanjola? There were several Spanish military engineers, working under the fortress construction in XIV century.
Since the XVI century Spanjola Fortress has properly executed its functions – to protect the bay and the town – and has never been conquered by the enemies. Only once it was seriously damaged, when it was hit by the lightning to the gunpowder store in 1759. It was a massive explosion, which damaged plenty of buildings in the whole town.
But it seems that today Spanjola Fortress again to all weapons, and like an eagle spread its wings hovers above the ancient Hvar.
More about Croatia:
Facts in Common Between the White House and the Diocletian Palace
Plitvice Lakes – Obstacle Course on the Way to Water Paradise
Recipe for Trogir, Croatia
December 3, 2012 at 12:47 pm
Good pictures. I visited that castle and took the steps to the prison – I agree that it was not very hospitable.
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December 3, 2012 at 1:02 pm
But I should say: clean and nice. Now at least.
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December 3, 2012 at 4:32 pm
Love this place !!!
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December 3, 2012 at 8:50 pm
Love it Victor. I would be in heaven exploring.
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September 7, 2014 at 7:11 am
I spent a couple of hours at the Spanjola – the views were outstanding! Did you eat at the restaurant there?http://tickingthebucketlist.blogspot.in/2014/09/hvar-spanjola-fortress.html
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September 7, 2014 at 7:36 am
An interesting post, Sonia. Yes, we have been to this restaurant. Not badly, but nothing special. We could not wait till sundown, because our yacht was waiting us in the marina.
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