Castelo de Santo Antón, or Castle of San Antón, is a well-preserved time capsule from the 16th century, showcasing a fortress and striking example of the defensive structures built by King Felipe II to protect La Coruña, Spain. Situated in the Bay of Coruña, near the northwestern tip of Europe, the castle was a vital stronghold defending medieval Spain against various threats, including during the Anglo-Spanish War in the early 17th century. Constructed between 1587 and 1590, it stands today as an excellent time portal, allowing visitors to step back into 16th-century Spain.
Part of a trio of castles built to defend La Coruña – alongside the Castle of Santa Cruz and the Castle of San Diego – Castle of San Antón saw its first battle during the English attack of 1589, playing a crucial defensive role despite still being under construction. In the 18th century, the fortress was converted into a prison, a function it served until 1960 when the City Council of La Coruña ceased its use. Remarkably, even while still operating as a prison, it was declared a Historic Artistic Monument in 1949. Later, in 1994, it received the Asset of Cultural Interest designation under the Monument category. Since 1968, the castle has housed the Archaeological and Historical Museum of La Coruña.
Built upon a small island just off the coast, Castle of San Antón is located at Paseo Marítimo Alcalde Francisco Vázquez, 2, 15001 A Coruña, La Coruña, Spain. The castle is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm, and Sundays from 10am to 2:30pm. It is closed on Mondays. General admission is €2.06, with a reduced fee of €1.03 for seniors over 65 and children under 16. Admission is free on Saturdays. Please note that the last entry is allowed 30 minutes before closing time.
There are numerous areas to explore within Castle of San Antón. In the lower section, visitors can discover the entrance and library, the access tunnel, a warehouse, the medieval Parade Ground, former prison cells, and an archaeology exhibit showcasing the region’s prehistory, Romanization, and Castrexa culture. This level also features a cistern pit for water storage and a ramp leading to the upper section.
The upper level includes a courtyard and garden, a lighthouse, a well, access to the terrace, the Governor’s House, and the Guards’ Room with workshops.
While much of the castle is fascinating, one of the most interesting areas is the Parade Ground in the lower level, where various ancient artifacts are displayed. It’s a history lover’s dream, from old metal keys, locks, and chains to stone coffins, crosses, and carved concrete slabs (some appearing to bear traces of dried blood). As you exit the Parade Ground, you’ll enter the section most closely resembling a traditional museum, featuring artifacts from various historical periods. Although we didn’t spend much time in this area due to all the informational signs being in Spanish, you could easily spend an hour or more exploring it in depth with a translation app and a bit of time.
Next is the cistern pit, an intriguing yet somewhat unpleasant spot. It’s hard to imagine this murky, swamp-like pit was once used to store water. The viewing area is small, accommodating only about three people at a time, which can create a bottleneck on the narrow staircase leading to it – something to keep in mind during busy hours. Just outside the cistern pit, you’ll find a reconstructed boat that looks like it dates back to the Ice Age, indicative of a time when woolly mammoths and saber-toothed tigers roamed the earth. From there, a slight ramp leads to the second level of the castle, where you’ll find cannons, the lighthouse, courtyard and garden, the Governor’s House, and lovely views of La Coruña and its bay.
In this area, a spiral staircase leads to the top of the Governor’s House, offering the highest viewpoint in Castle of San Antón. The staircase functions like a one-way street, allowing people to go either up or down at a time, but not both simultaneously. When we reached the top, about ten people were waiting to descend, and those at the bottom had to wait until the staircase was clear. On our way down, we had to call out to let others know we were coming. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with the most breathtaking views of the bay and the city of La Coruña. However, aside from taking in the scenery, there isn’t much else to do in this uppermost area.
The final area to explore is the front section of the second level, where you’ll find remnants of the former toilets, several cannons, and the Guards’ Room workshops.
Overall, Castle of San Antón is an excellent way to spend an hour or two. If you can read Spanish, you can easily spend several hours exploring and absorbing detailed information, especially in the museum section. However, even if you don’t speak Spanish, visiting the castle remains a great experience – a dream destination for history lovers and travelers who appreciate unique, well-preserved sites. Although I don’t speak or read Spanish, I still felt fulfilled exploring this medieval fortress, where history is embedded in every stone and beneath every footstep.
