Fuerte de Punta Carnero facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Punta Carnero Fort |
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| Native name Spanish: Fuerte de Punta Carnero |
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the remains of the tower of Fuerte de Punta Carnero
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| Location | Algeciras, Spain |
| Built | 1730s |
| Official name: Fuerte de Punta Carnero | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Reference no. | CA-CAS-013 |
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The Fuerte de Punta Carnero was an old fort located near Algeciras in Spain. It was built before 1735. This fort was later destroyed in 1810 to prevent French forces from using it. Today, you can only see its ruined foundations. These ruins are a special landmark called a Bien de Interés Cultural.
Contents
About the Fort
The Fuerte de Punta Carnero was part of a group of forts built along the coast. These forts were made so they could be seen from one another. They were built after Spain lost Gibraltar in 1704.
Why the Fort Was Built
The main purpose of these forts was to protect ships. They also helped stop any attacks from the British fort on the Rock of Gibraltar. Punta Carnero Fort was in a very important spot. This is where the Bay of Gibraltar meets the rough coast of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Fort Design and Weapons
The fort had a watchtower that was a bit higher than the main part of the fort. This tower was on cliffs about 20 meters tall. It was used for sending signals. The fort could hold twenty soldiers, plus an artillery officer, a sergeant, and a corporal.
In 1735, the fort had four guns. By 1796, it had five guns and two mortars. Later, it was made even stronger with six large 24-pounder cannons.
Why the Fort Was Destroyed
In 1810, many Spanish forts around Gibraltar were destroyed. This was done to stop Napoleon's army from using them.
The Destruction Process
Portuguese sailors destroyed the forts around the bay. They did this just before French soldiers on horseback arrived in nearby San Roque. The main Spanish defense lines were also destroyed. This happened on February 14, 1810. Colonel Sir Charles Holloway, a British engineer from Gibraltar, led this destruction.
What Remains Today
The remains of this old fort were later used to build the Lighthouse of Punta Carnero. This lighthouse is now the main building on that piece of land. Only a few walls of the old fort are left to see today.
Images for kids
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The remains of the fort walls
See also
In Spanish: Fuerte de Punta Carnero para niños
