Castillo de Santa Catalina

Castillo de Santa Catalina is a pentagonal military fortress built on La Caleta beach, extending into the Atlantic Ocean with thick stone walls and defensive watchtowers. Inside, a central courtyard contains military chambers, storage spaces, and the chapel, arranged according to strict military design principles.

Engineer Cristóbal de Rojas designed this fortress in 1596 following orders from King Felipe II after an Anglo-Dutch naval attack threatened the city. The construction reflected new military thinking about coastal defense against seaborne threats.

The chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria remains a focal point inside the fortress, while the space now hosts contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events that draw visitors throughout the year.

The fortress is walkable and accessible, with a layout that reveals itself naturally as you move through its stone corridors and courtyards. Wear comfortable shoes since the grounds involve uneven surfaces and stone pathways.

The fortress served as a military prison where Mexican independence leader Mariano Abasolo spent his final years until 1816. Few visitors realize this connection between Spanish coastal defense and the distant struggles for independence in the Americas.

Location: Cádiz

GPS coordinates: 36.53277,-6.30807

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:41