The town of Fornells owes its existence to a singular architectural feat. In the 17th century, the Spanish constructed the Castell de Sant Antoni at a strategic point in the local harbor. Because of this building, the town was born.
Not far from the castle, there is the Fornells Tower, a defensive tower whose objective was protecting the castle from enemy attacks. Over the years, ownership of the island shifted, including a period of British domination. After this period, the Spanish dismantled the castle, just like St. Philip's Castle.
Only some ruins are left from the structure today. These weathered stones offer a clear view into the 17th-century masonry that founded the village. While the primary structures are gone, the site remains a place for inquiry. It serves as a visible reminder of how one piece of military architecture can dictate the layout of a town.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nik Frost
Discuss this with the author and others
No comments yet. Be the first to start the conversation.