On a hilltop in Herceg Novi is a fortress Shpanola. This strengthening is located opposite the entrance to the bay, just above the town. It was built by the Turks in the XV-XVI centuries with moderate participation of the Spanish side, briefly seized the fortress in 1538-1539 gg. And thanks to the last, it got its name, Shpanola, which means "fortress of the upper city."

Without a reliable guide to find his way here is difficult, as the fortress itself lead to a narrow alleys and stairs of 1,000 steps. But climbing on them, you will see the beautiful panorama of the city and the bay. Fortress looks very impressive from the outside, but inside it is almost nothing left.

Historical evidence suggests that Charles V, King of Spain, who was at war with Turkey in the 16th century, took Herceg Novi and raised over it the first fortress called "castle of Charles V». Convenient location of the city allowed it to control the local neighborhood. But in the course of fierce fighting, it passed into the hands of the Turks, who destroyed the fortress and built on its new foundation. However, they were not the sole owners of the fortress throughout its existence.

In the late 17th century, the building was under the rule of Venice, and in the 19th century, after the transition to the alternate Russian, then the French, the fortress, in the end, Austria-Hungary moved along with the city. Then it was a part was created after the First World War, the Kingdom of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs. Today, she owns Montenegro, but, like many other fortresses of the country, it is in a derelict state.

Planning Shpanola fort is a square with rounded bastions at the corners. At the time, it was completely autonomous, as had its own bakery, a variety of water sources, and everything necessary for life support of a small town. With two other fortresses Herceg Novi fortress Shpanola was connected to underground tunnels that were strategically necessary for the defense of the city.