Castle of Sant Antoni, cultural property in Es Mercadal, Spain
Castle of Sant Antoni is a 17th century fortress in Es Mercadal on the island of Menorca, built with thick stone walls and four bastions at its corners. Inside, the structure contained a chapel, storage rooms, a water tank, and quarters for soldiers.
The fortress was built in 1637 during the reign of King Felipe IV to protect the coast from seaborne attacks. After Spain reclaimed the island in 1782, King Carlos III ordered the destruction of the four towers and upper sections.
The fortress was dedicated to Saint Anthony, a revered figure in the region, and a chapel nearby still reflects this religious connection today. The site is deeply tied to the identity of Es Mercadal and speaks to the community's efforts to defend its coastline.
The site is open to the public and visitors can explore the ruins and see underground tunnels. The town of Es Mercadal offers information, and the location is near the village of Fornells with local cafes and restaurants nearby.
The four bastions of the castle are named after the four Gospel writers - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - a religious nomenclature rarely seen in fortress design. This naming reveals how religious and military functions were intertwined in this structure.
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