San Felipe Castle, Ferrol, Spain

San Felipe Castle is a defensive construction in a predominantly Neoclassical style. The first castle was built during the reign of Felipe II and it was redesigned between 1731-1775. It is one of the most representative examples of the major 'fortified batteries' of the 18th century. It was used to defend the Ferrol tidal inlet and for land offensives. The castle has a system of protruding walls, covering the flanks of the lateral walls. It follows the academic model of its time - the Enlightenment - in this case, through the application of mathematics to the art of war. It has a geometric layout and stonework. It was designed by the military engineers Francisco Montaigú, Juan de la Ferriére and Juan Vergel.

There are magnificent views from the castle, particularly for the tidal inlet and the A Palma castle. The building was recently acquired by Ferrol Council and will be renovated and refurbished for cultural use.

References:

Galicia Tourism

Castles and fortifications in Spain

User Reviews

Vasile Ion (6 months ago)
Nice place to visit. Free to visit

M Stef (10 months ago)
Beautiful old castle but has to be renovated

Nigel McKinley (17 months ago)
16th century fort whose batteries protected the entrance to the port of Ferrol, an important naval port to this day. Ferrol was once home to the Spanish Armada and so the fort and its batteries provided vital protection to the fleet during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Free entrance, well worth a visit.

Adrian Davies (18 months ago)
Whilst it is pretty run down, that's really the attraction. A great runaround for the kids in a stunning setting. But watch out sheer drops abound. Oh. And it's free too.

Joppe (2 years ago)
Nice in tact fort with some interesting history, beautiful sights to be seen. Unfortunately there was not much in English to read, most was in Spanish.

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Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.

San Felipe Castle

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