Fuerte de San Carlos, Ancud, Spanish colonial fort in Ancud, Chile
Fuerte de San Carlos is a Spanish colonial installation in Ancud with a square layout, four defensive towers, and seven cannons facing the bay. A powder magazine built from brick and stone demonstrates the construction techniques of the era and remains visible today.
The fort was built between 1768 and 1771 under Governor Carlos de Berenger to protect trade routes from pirates and foreign powers. It marked the start of Spanish settlement in Ancud and served as a key strategic point for controlling the region.
The fort served as the founding point of Ancud and remains central to how the city understands its colonial roots. Visitors can see how the Spanish established the settlement strategically and what role this location holds in local identity.
The fort sits on the Punta de Tecque peninsula in northwest Ancud and is viewable from the street with good vantage points over the bay. Wear sturdy shoes, as paths cross the grounds and some areas are uneven.
Beneath the vegetation lie archaeological remains such as walls, bastions, and a moat that match historical records. These hidden structures reveal the full extent of the original fortification and how much larger it once was.
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