San Juan de las Águilas Castle

Peña Tejada-Cerro de las Águilas • 30880 ÁGUILAS

Information

The Castle of San Juan de las Águilas perches on top of the headland of Punta Negra and a raised platform wich has attracted human settlers since prehistoric times. Archaeological investigations have revealed remains dating from the Chalcolithic, or Copper Age, including fragments of hand-crafted ceramics, flint tools  and polished stone axes, one of wich is made from diorite and is now housed in the local Archaeological Museum. These materials belonged to groups of individuals who devotes themselves for a time to the collection of mollucs and other marine species along the coastline. In relation to the period of roman rule, excavations have uncovered numerous structural remains and materials: amphorae, common and luxury ceramics. Construction of the castle as we see it today dates back to 1756 during the reign of Fernando VI and was designed by military engineer Sebastián Feringán. It has been awarded Item of Cultural Interest status in the category of "Monument" and is inextricably intertwined with the history of Águilas: the foundation of the modern town coincided with the period when it was being built in the middle of the XVIII century. There are three main elements in the fortification: On the western side is the Fortress of San Juan, wuth a central courtyard, an artillery plattform, a first floor intended for accomodation and the kitchen and a ground floor used as a warehouse, gunpowder and prison. To the east is the gun battery of San pedro, where the guns and barbettes for defending the port were housed, and in between them a communication wich includes the forts of San José and San Felipe (whose role was to complete the defence of the stronghold.) Its restoration managed the defintely recovery od the castle, and now that it is fully visitable it is one of the most important examples of the town.

Any further comments or requirements

Please respect entry safety guidelines

 

Features

Period

18th century

Use

Tourism

Timetable

 

(01/07 -15/09)

From Monday to Friday: 10 to 13 h. and 18 h. to 21 h .

Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday: 10 to 14 and 18 to 21 h.

Last admission: 30 minutes before closing time

Saturdays 1st and 22nd of August, closed in the evening due to Carnival and Pride Parades, respectively.

Rates and prices

Tarifa

Price: 2€.
Groups: 1€
Children, students and pensioners: Free

Documents

How to Arrive?

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