Overview:

San Carlos Castle is a 17th century Spanish fort located on the Caribbean island of Margarita, located within the state of Nueva Esparta in Venezuela. The fort was initially built by the Spanish in 1676 to protect the island from Dutch and English assaults. The castle was built on a rocky platform on the north-eastern coast of the island and it featured moats, turreted walls and a defensive bastion. The fort was declared a national monument in 1999, and is now open to visitors who come to see the historical structures and breathtaking views of the sea from the fort. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Venezuela
Prominent Features:

The San Carlos Castle is one of the most important and impressive attractions on Margarita Island. It stands proudly on the eastern coastline of the island in the Nueva Esparta State. The castle is made from red brick and is considered to be one of the most significant and outstanding examples of 17th century Spanish military architecture in the country. It has experienced tough battles and hosts a museum that pays tribute to those who have perished on the grounds. The castle has been an important landmark on the island since the eighteenth century and has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the castle is a portico, known as El Correo, which provides a spectacular view of the whole island. The castle also holds the remains of the San Carlos Church, a historic chapel that served as a place of worship for the region’s inhabitants. It contains several preserved elements, such as sculptures, altars, columns, and canvases featuring various religious personalities. There are also amazing frescoes depicting the life and death of Jesus Christ. The castle is an ideal place to explore and admire the rich history and culture of the island and its people. This national monument of Venezuela portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The San Carlos Castle, located in La Galera, in the Municipality of Mariño, is one of the most relevant heritage jewels in Margarita Island, Nueva Esparta State of Venezuela. It was declared a National Historic Monument on December 10, 1981. The Castle has a long and rich history going back to 1540, when Spaniards brought Christopher Columbus' remains to Margarita from Seville, Spain. In order to protect the remains, a fortress, named San Carlos, was built on the site of the present Castle. This fortress was further reinforced in 1574, when it became a munitions depot and watchtower during the War of Independence. During this period, the Castle also served as a prison for Spanish prisoners of war, and was later used to protect Margarita from privateers. In 1816, after Venezuela's independence from Spain, the Castle was adapted and used for coastal military defense against foreign aggressors, especially the British. During this period, General Pedro Carujo was the castle's commander and contributed to its fortification. The Castle was abandoned in 1860, and was damaged in a fire in 1915. In the following years, the structure was slowly deteriorating until 1934, when its restoration began. During the 1970s, the Castle was totally restored and converted by the Institute Nacional de Conservación y Restauración Histórico-Arquitectónica (INCRHA) into an open museum that houses artifacts from different periods of its history. Today, the San Carlos Castle is an important tourist attraction in Margarita Island. It hosts exhibitions of its historical artifacts, such as weapons, coins, and ceramics, as well as cultural activities such as theatrical productions and day trips for visitors. You must visit one of these historical places in Venezuela on your Venezuela tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Castle of San Carlos was built on Margarita Island in 1769 to protect the island from pirate attacks. 2. The castle was designed by Spanish naval architect Faustino Teodoro S. Melini. 3. The castle covers an area of over 2,000 square meters and boasts 12 watchtowers, 2 bastions and high surrounding walls. 4. Inside the castle, visitors can find a prison, an old church and well-preserved barracks. 5. The castle is one of the most popular touristic destinations of Margarita Island and a key symbol of its past. 6. In 1999, the castle was declared a national monument and since then several conservation works have been carried out. Visit one of the famous monuments of Venezuela with your friends and family.