Battista Antonelli facts for kids
Battista Antonelli (1547–1616) was a famous Italian military engineer. A military engineer is someone who designs and builds strong forts and defenses. Battista came from a family of engineers who worked for the powerful Habsburg rulers of Austria and Spain.
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Battista's Life and Work
Battista Antonelli was born in a town called Gatteo in Italy. In 1570, he started working for Philip II of Spain, a very important king. Battista first worked with his older brother on building projects in places like Oran in Algeria and in Spain.
Early Projects
In 1581, King Philip II asked Antonelli to build a fort. This fort was meant to protect a key sea route called the Straits of Magellan. This route was important for ships, and the king wanted to keep it safe from English privateers. Privateers were like legal pirates who attacked enemy ships.
This project, however, did not go well. They tried to start a settlement called Rey Don Felipe, but it failed. Antonelli returned to Spain feeling sick and disappointed.
Building Forts in the Americas
Even after a tough start, Antonelli was asked to take on another big project in 1586. He was asked to build strong defenses for the city of Cartagena in Colombia. He used the newest building ideas of his time to design amazing forts. These included the famous San Felipe de Barajas Castle, the San Sebastián de Pastelillo Fort, and the San Fernando Fort. These forts helped protect Cartagena for many years.
After Cartagena, Antonelli traveled to Panama. He suggested moving a town called Nombre de Dios to a better spot, which became Portobelo. He also made plans for a fort in Panama la Vieja, but it was never built.
Havana's Defenses
Next, Antonelli sailed to Havana, a very important city in Cuba. There, he designed the strong forts that protect the city. His most famous work in Havana is the El Morro fortress. After finishing these important projects, he went back to Spain.
Later Years
Battista Antonelli made several more trips to the Caribbean. He then settled down in Spain. He continued to work on forts in places like Gibraltar. He passed away in Spain in 1616. Battista Antonelli had one of the most successful careers in building military structures in the New World.
Battista's Brother
Battista's brother, Giovanni Battista Antonelli, was also a military engineer. He was born in Italy and died in Toledo, Spain, in 1558. His most important work was building many watchtowers along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Spain. These towers helped protect the coast.
See also
In Spanish: Bautista Antonelli para niños
