Defensive Architecture

DESPEÑAPERROS FORT

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This construction is located on Despeñaperros hill, on a height of 55m above sea level. It is the easternmost hill of all of hills that surround the city. It was a very strategic fortress because it not only dominated and defended Moros Castle, but also dominated the entire Batel's front of Charles III's Wall, the entrance to the port and the inlet of Santa Lucía neighbourhood. In its immediate surroundings there are the Antiguones Barracks and the Royal Hospital that today are part of the University Campus of Cartagena.

It was built during the second half of the 19th century, equipped with artillery, with the mission of protecting San José gates, the Navy's Hospital and Moros Castle.

It lost its defensive validity at the beginning of the 20th century, when the Walls were handed over to the city. Declared as Heritage of Cultural Interest by 16/1985 Act.

Nowadays, the works of recovery of the bulwark have begun with a project that contemplates the restoration of the merlons on which there were ten guns that defended the eastern area, Moros Castle and the old San Jose gates.

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