Castillo de Guardias Viejas, Coastal defense castle in Los Baños de Guardias Viejas, Spain
Castillo de Guardias Viejas is a stone fortification built on a rocky hill right beside the Mediterranean Sea. It has a central courtyard with several gun emplacements and observation rooms positioned to command views of the water and coastline.
King Charles III ordered the fortress built in the 18th century to protect Spanish coastal towns from pirate raids. It suffered damage during the Peninsular War but was substantially rebuilt and reinforced in 1817.
The fortress shows how people lived and defended themselves along this coast centuries ago. You can see the layout of guard rooms and watchtowers, which reveals the daily routines of soldiers stationed here.
Access is available on certain days and times, so check opening hours before your visit to avoid disappointment. The location sits on a hilltop, so wear sturdy shoes if you want to explore the paths around and through the fortress.
The cannons were positioned not just to watch the sea but to coordinate firing with other fortifications like Balerma tower in a linked defense system. This interlocking protection network is still visible in how the gun positions are angled along the fortress walls.
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