Castillo de San Felipe, Military castle in Níjar, Spain
Castillo de San Felipe is a fortress built on a hillside near Níjar with strong walls and platforms for artillery pieces. The structure stands on the coast and provides views of the Mediterranean Sea from its elevated position.
King Carlos III commissioned this coastal fortress in 1771 as part of a larger defense system. It was one of nine fortifications built together to protect the Spanish coast between two major ports.
The fortress displays 18th-century military construction with thick walls and gun emplacements that remain visible today. It reflects how coastal people organized their defense when maritime raids threatened their settlements.
The site is open year-round and visitors can walk through the restored defensive structures at their own pace. The path to the top is steep, so wear sturdy shoes and allow time for the climb.
The fortress was part of an early communication system where watchtowers and strongholds sent signals to warn each other of danger. This network allowed coastal communities to respond quickly to threats approaching from the sea.
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