Santa Catalina Castle

The castle of Santa Catalina, in Cadix

The castle of Santa Catalina is one of the most emblematic fortresses of Cadix, built in the shape of a star on the rocks of La Caleta at the end of the sixteenth century. The Cadix audio-guided tour stops here to evoke the oldest military construction of the town still standing, born after the sack of Cadix, that also served as a prison where, with gravity, figures of history were detained.

The star-shaped fortress of La Caleta

Here you are in front of the entrance of the castle of Santa Catalina, one of the most emblematic fortresses of Cadix. Installed on the rocks that border the beach of La Caleta, this star-shaped castle seems to surge from the ocean. It owes its birth to a dramatic episode: at the end of the sixteenth century, an Anglo-Dutch fleet attacked Cadix, pillaged it and set fire to the town, a catastrophe that remained in memories. To prevent it from recurring, King Philip II ordered the construction of new defences, including this fortress designed by the military engineer Cristóbal de Rojas. Built between the end of the sixteenth and the beginning of the seventeenth century, Santa Catalina is today the oldest military construction of the town still standing. From 1769, the castle was transformed into a military prison. Because of its isolation and its particular conditions, it hosted especially political prisoners and so-called sensitive figures. It is fitting to evoke with respect the memory of those who were detained there, sometimes far from their own; one of the most famous was the Mexican general Mariano Abasolo, hero of the struggle for the independence of Mexico, imprisoned here at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Its dungeons, still visible, recall this grave page of history. Today restored, the castle hosts exhibitions and cultural events, and offers fine views over the sea. A star-shaped fortress and a witness of history, the castle of Santa Catalina is a fine stop of the discovery of Cadix.

What to see

Here you discover the oldest military construction of Cadix still standing, a star-shaped fortress on the rocks of La Caleta, willed by Philip II after the sack of the town at the end of the sixteenth century and designed by Cristóbal de Rojas; become a military prison in 1769, it detained notably, with gravity, the Mexican general Mariano Abasolo, and today hosts exhibitions and views over the sea. The castle of Santa Catalina is a witness of the history of Cadix. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The castle of Santa Catalina stands on the rocks of La Caleta, in the old town of Cadix, reachable on foot. The visit is generally free and follows the hours in force, which vary; the castle hosts exhibitions. It is best to enquire before coming. You discover it during a walk beside the sea.

Why was the castle of Santa Catalina built in Cadix?

To protect the town after the sack of Cadix by an Anglo-Dutch fleet at the end of the sixteenth century: King Philip II ordered new defences, including this star-shaped fortress designed by Cristóbal de Rojas, the oldest military construction of the town still standing; transformed into a military prison in 1769, it detained notably the Mexican general Mariano Abasolo.

Where is the castle of Santa Catalina in Cadix?

On the rocks of the beach of La Caleta, in the old town of Cadix, in Spain.