Castillo de San Marcos, Masonry fort in St. Augustine, United States
The stone fortress stands on the western shore of Matanzas Bay, featuring four diamond-shaped bastions connected by thick defensive walls of coquina stone.
Spanish engineers completed the construction in 1695 to protect Florida and the Atlantic trade route after multiple attacks destroyed previous wooden fortifications.
During the late 1800s, Native American prisoners held at the fort created detailed artworks known as Ledger Art, documenting their experiences through drawings.
The National Monument opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with entrance fees of $15 for adults and free admission for children under 16.
The fortress walls, constructed from coquina shells, absorbed cannonball impacts instead of cracking, making the structure naturally resistant to artillery attacks.
Location: St. Augustine
Inception: 1695
Website: http://nps.gov/casa
GPS coordinates: 29.89778,-81.31139
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:17
Florida combines multiple facets: Orlando's amusement parks, the protected wetlands of the Everglades, Miami's beaches, and the Keys archipelago. This route passes through national parks, historic sites, coastal lighthouses, and botanical gardens. Visitors explore diverse ecosystems including mangrove forests, coral reefs, and natural springs. It includes natural reserves such as the J.N. Darling Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel, home to over 245 bird species across 2,800 hectares, or the Blowing Rocks Preserve in Jupiter, where waves spray seawater up to 15 meters high. Garden enthusiasts discover Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales with its 60-meter tower and 60-bell carillon, or the Morikami Museum in Delray Beach showcasing Japanese garden art. Cayo Costa State Park offers 14 kilometers of untouched coastlines, while Manatee Park in Fort Myers allows observing these marine mammals from November to March in warm waters.
Ponce de León Hotel
710 m
Lightner Museum
825 m
Bridge of Lions
624 m
Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse
214 m
Villa Zorayda
771 m
Medieval Torture Museum
376 m
Pirate Soul Museum
182 m
Avero House
226 m
Ximenez-Fatio House
719 m
Government House
600 m
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
59 m
Markland
859 m
St. Augustine Town Plan Historic District
703 m
Spanish Military Hospital Museum
661 m
Potter's Wax Museum
623 m
Segui-Kirby Smith House
709 m
Lindsley House
701 m
Xavier Lopez House
845 m
O'Reilly House
866 m
Abbott Tract Historic District
443 m
Rodriguez-Avero-Sanchez House
284 m
St. Augustine Civic Center
335 m
Model Land Company Historic District
781 m
Stanbury Cottage
793 m
Rodríguez House
285 m
Villa Zorayda Museum
776 m
North City Historic District
794 m
First Colony: Our Spanish Origins Exhibit at Government House Museum
605 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes