CHRISTMAS FORT
The Christmas Fort is a fundamental element of the defensive system of the bay of Cartagena, next to the Christmas lighthouse. It dates back to the 17th century although the current construction was made in 1860, following the O'Donnell Plan, it was improved according to the advances and techniques of the time. Due to its position it crossed fire with Santa Ana battery, that together with Trincabotijas and Podadera batteries defended the harbour mouth.
The neoclassical style's fortress presents several constructive stages. The current construction of irregular plant, is formed by two high walls of ashlar masonry.
In the early 20th century, it was used as a battery for salvoes and salutes, the last military unit dates back to 1941. In 2004, the Ministry of Defence ceded the use of Christmas Fort to the City of Cartagena, for tourist purposes.
Nowadays, the Christmas Fort is the Interpretation Centre of the Defensive Architecture of Cartagena and the Mediterranean. It offers a vision of the different defences that the port has had throughout its history, as well as it allows us to know what was the equipment and the life in a fort of these characteristics.
The access can be made by car or on the tourist boat that makes a stop at the fort.
It was declared Heritage of Cultural Interest by the Second additional provision of 16/1985 Act, of Spanish Historical Heritage.
On the harbour mouth's left front, were built four batteries to carry out the crossfire with the batteries on the right side of the port: San Leandro battery, San Isidoro and Santa Florentina battery, Santa Ana Acasamatada battery and Trincabotijas Baja battery.
VISITABLE