Castle of Sancti Petri facts for kids
The Castle of Sancti Petri is an old fortress located in San Fernando, in southwestern Spain. It sits on a small island called Sancti Petri. This castle was once part of a series of forts that protected the nearby inlet.
The castle has an unusual shape and shows a style called Moorish architecture. It was built in the 13th century. Long before the castle, in the 1st century, people called the Phoenicians settled on the island. They built a temple there for their god, Melqart. Later, when the Romans arrived, they used the temple to honor their god, Hercules.
The oldest part of the castle is its watchtower. The walls and the inside parts of the castle were built later, in the 18th century. For a while, the castle was in bad shape. But the towns of San Fernando and Chiclana de la Frontera worked together to fix it up. The castle is now considered a special historical landmark in Spain.
Quick facts for kids Castle of Sancti Petri |
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| Native name Spanish: Castillo de Sancti Petri |
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| Location | San Fernando, Spain |
| Official name: Castillo de Aznalmara | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 1985 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0007584 |
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Contents
History of the Castle
The island of Sancti Petri has a very long history. It was important even before the castle was built.
Ancient Times
- Around the 1st century, the Phoenicians came to the island. They were a seafaring people from the Middle East.
- The Phoenicians built a temple dedicated to their god, Melqart. He was a god of cities, trade, and navigation.
- Later, the Romans took over the area. They continued to use the temple, but they dedicated it to their own god, Hercules. Hercules was known for his strength and heroic deeds.
Building the Fortress
- The current castle dates back to the 13th century. It was built to protect the coast from attacks.
- The watchtower is the oldest part of the castle. It was used to spot ships approaching the coast.
- Most of the castle's walls and inner structures were built much later, in the 18th century.
Protecting the Castle Today
Over the years, the Castle of Sancti Petri started to fall apart. But people wanted to save this important piece of history.
Restoration Efforts
- The local governments of San Fernando and Chiclana de la Frontera worked together.
- They provided money and support for a big project to fix and restore the castle.
- This work helped bring the castle back to life, making it safe for visitors.
Special Recognition
- In 1949, the castle was officially declared a Cultural Monument. This means it's a very important historical site.
- In 1985, it was recognized as a Spanish Historical Heritage landmark. This gives it special protection.
- In 1993, the government of Andalusia gave it even more special recognition among the castles in the region.
