Table of Contents
Introduction
It would be rather unwise to travel to the sunny state of Florida without paying a visit to one of the attractions that overawes every truth-seeking tourist with its ancient walls-The Castillo de San Marcos. This great bastion is undoubtedly the Castillo de San Marcos, in the city of St Augustine, the USA’s oldest with a history of wars, ethnical and architectural glory. They are curious, adventurous and like to explore, in this article we will tell you about the history, interesting facts and why you must visit it.
History of Castillo de San Marcos
Fort of San Marcos, its construction was done between 1672 and 1695 by the Spanish for defending Spain’s interest over America against rival powers of Europe. For example, St Augustine was founded in 1565 and had always been on the sufferance of pirate and foreign power particularly the British. They were over time burnt and dismantled using woods then the Spanish wanted something stronger than wooden structures. Out of this structural material emerged a building construction that stood the test of Florida climate and the enemy’s artillerymen’s cannon balls – coquina.
Over time the Spanish got to control of fort and it was seized between the Spanish, the British and the Americans by 1821. That is why Castillo has been standing from the year 1692 even though it faced some battles and wars including the American Revolution war and Civil war. Today it can support a statement about the role of St. Augustine in the history of the American continent’s development.
Unique Features and Architecture of the Fortress
It is especially important due to the fact that the Castillo de San Marcos is an example of Spanish colonial military architecture. It had a unique star-like structure called a bastion system which offered a lot of protection to the attackers. Every tip of the star allowed to target enemies approaching from different angles, thus the blind spots were excluded.
An important fact about the construction out of coquina is that the walls are able to soak and repel cannon shots on the fort. Instead of breaking to pieces, the walls would dwindle under pressure, which would minimize harm. This proved to be very effective due to the application of local materials which obviously played an important role in the strength of the fortress.
The interiors of the fortress are also magnificent; huge walls, high ceilings; cool stony rooms meant for the soldiers, prisoners and stores. Its courtyard, like any other traditional Spanish fort used to be a square for soldiers to practice, has one of the most beautiful prospects of the Matanzas River and the views of the surrounding land.
Must-See Attractions within the Fortress
When you visit Castillo de San Marcos, there are several highlights that you won’t want to miss:
- The Gun Deck : As the name implies, it is located right on the gun deck where the big historically utilized cannons are displayed to the visitors.
- The Chapel : Despite the fact that it is a small room now, this was a place for Spanish soldiers to pray and find brief relief from the harshness of a soldiers’ life in this fort.
- The Guardrooms : The soldiers as well as prisoners used these chambers. One can still notice the writings on the walls left by prisoners of the fort during different periods of its existence.
- Living History : See recreations of battles and firing demonstrations of the weapons, thereby showing the life of the soldiers who manned the fort several years back.
Check Out: The Majestic Monuments of NYC: An In-Depth Look at the Statue of Liberty.
Tips for Visiting and Touring the Castle
- Arrive Early: It can also be very congested at tiemebro occasions such as during summer or over the festive season. This means that if you get there early in the morning, you will get time to roam around taking shots without interference from other people.
- Guided Tours: Although you can take a self-guided tour around the Castillo, it is advised to take a guided tour. Tourist attendants are well informed and enlightening giving the tourists interesting facts that gives life to the history.
- Check the Weather: Since you will be outdoors most of the time, it is advisable to refer to the weather condition and carry along such items as sun cream, caps or umbrella.
Nearby Activities and Attractions
St. Augustine has a wealth of attractions beyond Castillo de San Marcos. After touring the fortress, consider exploring these nearby highlights:
- St. George Street: A shopping area where it becomes a centre with manyshops, restaurants and other interesting places that one can see by strolling on the road.
- The Lightner Museum: This museum is placed in a building which was built as a hotel in the 19th century and in this museum one can find and observe the archeological items, the art exhibits, and curiosity objects.
- St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum: Maritime history of St. Augustine and probably the birds eye view of the city can only be seen if one climbs to the top.
- Ghost Tours: There are several stories that are said to be paranormal and these are some of the things that are associated with St Augustine. To begin with, during the night one should opt for a ghost tour of the city so that one can identify the respective city’s hauntings.
Conclusion: Why You Should Visit Castillo de San Marcos
The experience has an unusual chance to keep visiting Castillo de San Marcos through time. Regardless of being an enthusiast of military history, an architect or a mere outdoor enthusiast or tourist seeking to catch an aerial view of the beautiful coastline of Florida, then this fortress will well suit your needs. The attractions that are found there include the long-standing history, the well preserved structures and special activities that make the destination a special place to be while in St. Augustine.
The fort is not only a historical site, it is an artifact that has sustained a powerful focus and appeal to the cultures of past and present for many ages. Remember to include it in your list of Best Places to Visit the Next Time You are planning to Tour the Historic Beauty of Florida’s First Coast.
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FAQs: Castillo de San Marcos
1. What is the Castillo de San Marcos?
The Castillo de San Marcos is a building constructed by the Spaniards and is found in St Augustine FL. Constructed between 1672 and 1695, it is the oldest masonry fort in the United States, and was to protect Spain’s interest in the New World
2. Why was the Castillo de San Marcos built?
It was constructed for defense of the Spanish colony Sto. Augustine against pirate’s attacks and invasions which were mostly perpetrated by the British.
3. What materials were used to build the fort?
Coquina, a compressed shell stone which is native to the area was used to build the fort. This material was selected in order to check its ability to absorb and resist shots from a cannon which might not be effectively done by other materials.
