This is a solid looking 16th century fortress. Unfortunately it was built too far away from the channel to be much use! The only damage ever inflicted on it was in the 19th century when some of the battlements were demolished for road improvements.

However the ramparts are worth exploring.

One of the four entrances.

The weather vane on this tower, modelled on the La Giralda in Seville, is the subject of a lot of local folklore. One is that Isabel de Bobadilla became the first female governor of Cuba on the departure of her husband on an expedition abroad. The sculpture shows her looking out for him – but sadly he never returned as he died on the journey.

The rambling museum inside the fort has this model of the largest Spanish warship of the 18th century, the Santisima Trinidad, built in Havana.

Fine views from the battlements.