Country
Spain
City / Region
Cádiz / Cádiz / Andaluzia
Construction Date
Built between the late 16th and early 17th centuries, by order of Felipe II (Royal Decree of October 25, 1597), after the Anglo-Dutch attack of 1596. The construction ordered by Felipe II demonstrates a direct response to an exposed vulnerability, evidencing the Spanish monarchy's ability to quickly adapt and reinforce its coastal defenses against concrete threats from rival naval powers. The initial project was by engineer Cristóbal de Rojas. The interior chapel was built in 1693, during the reign of Carlos II.
Conservation status
Declared Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) with the category of Monument (code RI-51-0007571) in 1985/1993. It is currently used as a multipurpose cultural space, housing permanent and temporary exhibition rooms, shops, artistic and craft workshops, and being the stage for concerts and other activities, particularly related to the Alcances film festival. Admission is free.
Latitude and Longitude
36°31'58"N 6°18'29"W
Main characteristics
Fortification built on rocky shoals, advanced over the sea, closing the northern end of La Caleta beach and protecting the city's northwestern front. It has a star-shaped pentagonal plan, of Italian influence, with points projecting over the sea. It is part of the La Caleta Defensive Front. Inside, there are pavilions, barracks, cisterns, and a chapel dedicated to Santa Catalina de Alexandria and the PurísYesa Conceição. It served as a military prison from the reign of Carlos III (1769).
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. Castillo de Santa Catalina, Cádiz. Agenda Cultural de Andalucía. [Online]. Disponível em: https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/cultura/agendaculturaldeandalucia/evento/castillo-de-santa-catalina-cadiz. Acesso em: 30 de Abril de 2025.
JUNTA DE ANDALUCÍA. Consejería de Cultura y Patrimonio Histórico. Catálogo General del Patrimonio Histórico Andaluz. [Online]. Disponível em: https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/organismos/culturaydeporte/areas/cultura/bienes-culturales/catalogo-pha/consulta.html. Acesso em: 30 de Abril de 2025.