Castillo de Corbanera, Military castle in Monte, Santander, Spain
Castillo de Corbanera is a circular fortress in Monte built with four semicircular towers and crenellated walls featuring rifle loopholes throughout. The round structure with a diameter of about 50 meters was equipped with defensive elements designed to withstand military attacks.
The fortress was built in 1874 by architect José Almirante y Torroella to protect Santander during the Third Carlist War between 1872 and 1876. It arose during a period of intensive military fortification when the city was strengthened against potential attacks.
The fortress displays late 19th-century neo-medieval military architecture and holds the status of protected cultural heritage. Its design with crenellations and rifle loopholes reflects the defensive engineering methods that were meant to protect the city.
The castle is privately owned and interior access remains restricted, but visitors can observe the exterior structure from various vantage points in Monte. It is worth exploring the outside perimeter and viewing its architectural form from different angles.
During the Spanish Civil War, the central tower received a concrete extension as a war-related modification. Later, residential houses were built within the castle walls, giving the fortress an unexpected residential function.
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