Country
Spain
City / Region
Cádiz / Cádiz / Andaluzia
Construction Date
The main fortress dates from 1706, built on earlier structures that included a chapel from 1457 and a Muslim watchtower. The causeway connecting the islet to the city was built in 1860. The current lighthouse dates from 1908. The construction of the fortress in 1706, during the War of the Spanish Succession, indicates a direct response to the defensive needs created by this conflict and the importance of Cádiz as a strategic naval and commercial base for the new Bourbon dynasty.
Conservation status
Declared a Property of Cultural Interest (BIC) in the Monument category (code RI-51-0007575) in 1985/1993. It is open for free visits (at least temporarily).
Latitude and Longitude
36°31'40"N 6°18'55"W
Main characteristics
Fortress located on a small islet at one end of La Caleta beach. According to classical tradition, the site housed the Temple of Kronos. The fortified enclosure has an irregular plan and defended the northern flank of the city. It is part of the defensive system of La Caleta, along with the Castle of Santa Catalina and other bastions. Inside, the 1908 lighthouse stands out, with an iron structure designed by Rafael de la Cerda, considered the second electric lighthouse in Spain. The installation of this modern lighthouse within the historic fortress, similar to other cases like the Esposende Fort, demonstrates the adaptation of obsolete military structures for navigational aid functions in the early 20th century. Currently, part of the facilities houses a Marine Research Laboratory of the University of Cádiz.
Source(s)
ESPANHA. Ministerio de Cultura. Consulta a la base de datos de bienes inmuebles. [Online]. Disponível em: https://www.cultura.gob.es/cultura/patrimonio/bienes-culturales-protegidos/consulta-de-bienes-inmuebles.html. Acesso em: 30 de Abril de 2025.
JUNTA DE ANDALUCÍA. Consejería de Cultura y Deporte. Visitas al Castillo de San Sebastián. Agenda Cultural de Andalucía. [Online]. Disponível em: https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/cultura/agendaculturaldeandalucia/evento/visitas-al-castillo-de-san-sebastian. Acesso em: 30 de Abril de 2025.
JUNTA DE ANDALUCÍA. Consejería de Cultura y Patrimonio Histórico. Guía Digital del Patrimonio Cultural de Andalucía. [Online]. Disponível em: https://guiadigital.iaph.es/bien/inmueble/400/cadiz/cadiz/castillo-de-san-sebastian. Acesso em: 30 de Abril de 2025.