San José Castle, Military fort on Buena Vista Hill, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
The fortress includes shooting ranges, ammunition warehouses, stables, dining facilities, and a small pond known as Soldier's Pond at 20 meters above the valley.
Rafael Carrera founded San José Castle in 1846, appointing architect José María Cervantes to complete construction within three years due to regional conflicts.
The fort's inauguration featured a religious procession of the Virgin of Santa Barbara, leading locals to refer to it by this name from 1852.
The structure maintains its position as a military facility while allowing visitors to explore its grounds and learn about Guatemala's defensive architecture.
During the Tragic Week of 1920, the castle became central to a revolution that ended President Manuel Estrada Cabrera's administration after intense fighting.
Location: Guatemala City
Inception: May 25, 1846
Founders: Rafael Carrera
GPS coordinates: 14.64300,-90.51550
Latest update: March 3, 2025 02:43
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