The Sant Antoni Castle (Catalan: Castell de Sant Antoni, Spanish: Castillo de San Antonio) is a fortress situated in the Spanish village of Fornells, in the municipality of Es Mercadal, on the island of Menorca, Spain. Founded in the 17th century in the local harbour, the castle's construction facilitated the growth of the town of Fornells. The strategic design of the castle took advantage of the rugged terrain, harnessing the natural contours of the hill.
The castle featured living quarters, stables, and a chapel, among other essential facilities for its garrison. During the 18th century, the island went under British dominion, with the castle being held alternately by the British and French before rejoining Spanish control in 1782. King Charles III of Spain ordered the partial destruction of the castle, leaving only remnants of the once imposing structure standing. The strategic significance of the castle is evident in its construction, with its purpose being to defend the harbor and the northern coast of Menorca from naval threats and pirate incursions during a period when control of the region was hotly contested.
Not far from there, there is the Fornells Tower, a defensive tower whose objective was protecting the castle from enemy attacks.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nik Frost
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