HVAR – The majestic fortress of Fortica

The Fortica fortress, which dates back to 1278, forms a unique defense system with city walls.

If we start from “Hvarska pjaca” towards the north, passing through the main city gate or Porta di datallo, i.e. the Date Gate, climbing the stairs through the old part of the city where there are palaces built in the 15th and 16th centuries, then over small serpentines that exude scents of Mediterranean vegetation, we arrive at the Hvar fortress Fortica, also known as the Španjola fortress – reports turistickeprice.hr

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Fort Fortica

The construction of the city fortress began after 1278, when Hvar came under the rule of Venice. The fortress with the city walls forms a unique defense system. In 1551, a new fortress was built on the site of the old one, and in 1571, during the Turkish invasion, it provided protection to the people who took refuge in it. In 1579, the fortress was significantly damaged in the explosion of the gunpowder warehouse, which was caused by a lightning strike. It was repaired only at the beginning of the 17th century during the reign of Prince Pietro Semitecolo, with the construction of baroque defensive bastions.

In ancient history, this magnificent military building consisted of towers, ramparts, loopholes, cannons, a prison, corridors, and a chapel, and as a fortress, it saved the inhabitants of Hvar island from the Turkish attack.

Today, the fortress houses a collection of amphorae and other exhibits from antiquity and the Middle Ages. In addition to delighting you with its architecture, you will experience an unforgettable panoramic view of the town of Hvar, its surroundings and the Pakleni islands.

source: otoci.eu