Tvrđava Fortica
Town fortress above Hvar with Venetian bastions, an 18th-century barracks, a collection of amphorae, and views of the town and the Pakleni Islands.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Construction of the Hvar fortress began after 1278, when Hvar came under Venetian rule. Together with the town walls, the fortress forms a unique defensive system. In 1551 a new fortress was built on the site of the old one, which in 1571, during an Ottoman attack, provided shelter for the population. An explosion of a gunpowder store struck by lightning severely damaged it in 1579.
At the beginning of the 17th century, during the time of the Venetian knez (rector) Pietro Semitecolo, the fortress was repaired and given Baroque defensive bastions, and the last barracks was built in 1775/1776 during the reign of Maria Theresa. The fortress today houses a collection of amphorae. It is managed by the Javna ustanova u kulturi HVAR 1612 (public cultural institution), and from the hill above the old town there is a view of Hvar, the harbour and the islands.
Highlights
- Baroque bastions from the time of Count Semitecolo
- Barracks from the 18th century
- Collection of amphorae
- View of the town of Hvar, the harbour and the islands
Permanent exhibition
- Zbirka amfora – The fortress houses a hydro-archaeological collection with amphorae recovered from the sea around Hvar.
- Operated by
- Javna ustanova u kulturi HVAR 1612
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €8Pupils aged 7 to 18, students and pensioners. |
| Children & teens | freeChildren up to 7 years enter free of charge. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freePersons with disabilities enter free of charge. |
| Groups (11+ people) | –Organised groups of more than 10 people paying by voucher receive a 10% discount; group guides enter free of charge. Registration is required at info@hvar1612.hr. |
| Combined ticket (Fortica fortress, theatre, Arsenal, loggia, Leroj tower and St John's church) | €15Pupils aged 7 to 18, students and pensioners €9. |
Members of professional associations (ICOM, Croatian Museum Society) also enter free of charge with a membership card. Guided tours in Croatian and foreign languages are possible by prior arrangement.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Access to the platform in front of the main entrance on the north-western side is level, but the interior of the fortress has numerous steps, uneven stone floors and narrow passages.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
A visitor car park is located in the immediate vicinity of the main entrance.
The main entrance is on the north-western side of the fortress and can be reached by road. On foot, the fortress can be reached from the town centre via a promenade and steps starting at the Pjaca.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Pets are admitted on a leash during guided tours. Entering in swimwear is not allowed. Own food and drink may not be consumed in the fortress (except in the area set aside for catering). |
