The 16th-century fortress that served as a lazaretto and prison

The Castelo de Santo Antón sits on a site that was once an islet near the port of A Coruña. Built in the 16th century, it served as part of a strategic network of castles and batteries for the defense of the city. It was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1949 and a Bien de Interese Cultural in 1994.

Life here took many forms over the centuries. It functioned as a military bastion and a prison, holding figures like the explorer Alessandro Malaspina from 1796 to 1803. It was also used as a lazaretto. Before the current castle existed, a medieval chapel on this site housed sailors suffering from ergotism, known as Saint Anthony's fire.

Construction faced setbacks, including an attack by Francis Drake in 1589, which led to orders from King Philip II in 1590 to finish the works, including troop alojamentos, a magazine, and a tower. In the late 18th century, the fortress underwent significant reforms to accommodate the Corpo de Enxeñeiros do Exército, including the construction of a low battery, a small port, a chapel, a magazine, and a governor's house. These reforms were necessary because 18th-century ships were taller than the castle, leaving its platforms unprotected.

Today, the castle houses the Museo Arqueolóxico e Histórico da Coruña. It opened its doors to the public in 1968. While the museum is open, check the current status and seasonal hours on the official municipal website before you head out.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons