Fort Napoleon, Hvar
Tvrđava Napoleon
A fort on the hilltop northeast of Hvar Town, built during French occupation. It stands higher than the Spanish Fortress and overlooks the town and the Pakleni Islands.
Fort Napoleon was built by French troops around 1811 on Mount St Nicholas, at an elevation of about 240 metres. It stands noticeably higher than the Spanish Fortress, so the views are broader: you can see Hvar's harbour, the Spanish Fortress and the Pakleni Islands out at sea all at once. For a long time the fort served as an astronomical observatory. Whether the interior is open depends on how it is run at the time, and most visitors only enjoy the views from outside. It takes about 40 minutes to walk up from the old town by the hill road, or you can take a taxi or a scooter. There is little shade on the way, so visit early or late in summer.
Opening hours
Grounds open all day; interior hours vary, check on site
Nearby sights
- Fortica (Spanish Fortress), Hvar
- Benedictine Convent, Hvar
- St Stephen's Square & Cathedral, Hvar
- Hvar Arsenal & Theatre
- Hvar Island
- Franciscan Monastery, Hvar
- Hula Hula Beach Bar
- Milna, Hvar