Španjola Fortress

Španjola sits on the ridge high above Herceg Novi, 200 metres above sea level. The fortress dates from the short Spanish-Imperial occupation of the town in 1538. A brief interruption in the centuries of Ottoman control that left this single structure behind before the Ottomans recaptured the town the following year. Later Ottoman and Venetian military engineers reinforced and adapted the fortress rather than replacing it, preserving its original Spanish footprint.

The structure is partially ruined today, roofless, with some collapsed interior walls, which is part of the appeal. The fortress is unstaffed, free to enter and accessible at any hour. The outer walls stand nearly to their original height, and the eastern rampart returns what is widely considered the best elevated view in Herceg Novi: the full sweep of the inner Bay of Kotor, the open Adriatic, the Lustica peninsula and the surrounding mountain peaks including Orjen on the Croatian border. Access is on foot only.

The trail begins at the northern edge of the Old Town and climbs through pine and scrub woodland on a well-marked footpath. The walk takes around 40 minutes up and 25 minutes back down, and sturdy footwear is needed on the loose rock sections near the summit. There is no water, shade or facilities at the fortress itself. Bring supplies for the round trip.

The best light for photography is in the hour before sunset.