Casa Fuerte de la Cruceta facts for kids
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The Casa Fuerte de la Cruceta, also known as the Casas Fuertes, is a private castle. It is also a coastal defense fortress located in Almería, Province of Almería, Andalusia, Spain. This strong house was built to protect the coast.
History
The Casa Fuerte de la Cruceta was finished in 1773. Its main purpose was to house cavalry units. These were soldiers who rode horses. This fortress was one of the westernmost defenses built in the 1700s.
Why it was built
King Charles III of Spain ordered its construction. He wanted to defend the areas around Almería and the Cabo de Gata. The fort was meant to hold soldiers. These soldiers guarded the areas between Torre García and Perdigal.
Building and soldiers
The King approved the plans for the fort in 1771. Construction was completed just two years later, in 1773. By 1778, the fort had a group of 14 soldiers living there all the time.
Later uses
By 1830, the army no longer used the fort. However, in 1857, it was given to the Carabineros. This was a type of police force. Later, in 1941, the Guardia Civil used the fort. The Guardia Civil is a national police force in Spain.
Modern day
The fortress was repaired and made new again in 2005. Today, you can visit it. It is part of the waterfront area of El Toyo.
