Little-known gem of Spain's War of Independence: Castillo de La Herradura

Little-known gem of Spain's War of Independence: Castillo de La Herradura

Defensive castle built during Spain's War of Independence, now serves as a museum interpreting a massive 16th-century naval disaster.

Castillo de La Herradura, also known as the Fortín de la Herradura, is a fortification in the Spanish town of La Herradura, Granada. It was built in the second half of the 18th century under the reign of Carlos III as a typical fort to defend the coast of Granada. Its denomination was 'Batería para 4 cañones de La Herradura', designed by engineer José Crame in 1765 and completed in 1771. Originally intended to ward off pirate attacks and protect local fishermen, it was later attacked by the French during the War of Independence. The castle was occupied by the Carabineros and later the Guardia Civil until 2002. In 2007, the Ayuntamiento de Almuñécar bought the castle and began its restoration for cultural use, which was completed in 2011. Today, the Museo 1562 La Fuerza del Mar is located within the castle, interpreting a colossal naval disaster of 25 ships that occurred in 1562.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Nik Frost

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