Španjola Fortress, Renaissance fortress on a hilltop above Hvar, Croatia

Španjola Fortress is a Renaissance fortress completed in 1551 at the top of the hill above Hvar, closing the town walls and built at the same time as the Fabrika and the Arsenal. It has three semicircular bastions and a bastion added to the west in the early 17th century. The site has held a fortification since prehistoric times, and remains of Byzantine walls are visible on the south side.

The Venetians began building the fortress in its present form in 1282, funded partly by the town of Hvar; Spanish builders working there in the 14th century likely gave it the name Španjola. An inscription over the south gate records its completion in 1551. On 19 August 1571 the population withstood an Ottoman attack inside its walls, but on 1 October 1579 a lightning strike on the gunpowder magazine exploded and destroyed the fortress and part of the town below.

The fortress is called Španjola after the Spanish builders who worked on it in the 14th century; locally it is known as Fortica, from the Italian fortezza. Inside, a collection of amphorae is displayed. The fortress silhouette appears in the coat of arms of the town of Hvar.

The climb from Hvar's center follows marked paths that pass historic buildings and take some effort but reward visitors with views once reached. Good footwear and comfortable clothing help make the walk easier, and the effort is worthwhile for the perspective gained from above.

A lightning strike hit the gunpowder magazine on 1 October 1579 at 3:30 a.m., causing an explosion that destroyed the fortress and part of the town below. The fortress was later repaired, with the last major works in 1775–1776 under Empress Maria Theresa. In 1925 it was renamed Aleksandrovac for King Alexander's visit.