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Historic fort · Ancud, Los Lagos
Fuerte San Antonio
An 18th-century Spanish battery atop Ancud, with cannons facing the bay. It was Spain's last stronghold in Chile until the surrender of 1826.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Fuerte San Antonio
Fuerte San Antonio sits on a rise north of Ancud's center, facing the bay. The first battery on the site, called Tecque, was built between 1770 and 1780, when the Spanish Crown fortified the new city of San Carlos de Chiloé.
In 1820, Governor Antonio de Quintanilla reinforced the defenses and gave the fort the name San Antonio. Chiloé resisted as a Spanish stronghold years after Chilean independence, and Ancud only surrendered in January 1826, when the Spanish flag was lowered for the last time in Chile.
Today the site is a historic park. Seven cannons point toward the bay, beside the stone walls. A 1926 obelisk honors governors Aldunate and Quintanilla, who signed the annexation of Chiloé to Chile.
The entrance to the old gunpowder magazine tunnel has been closed since the 1960 earthquake. A few meters away is the magazine of the Fuerte Real de San Carlos, from 1824, which completes the town's defenses.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to an hour, allowing time for the bay view.
Best time
In the late afternoon, when the sun lowers over Ancud Bay. On a clear day, the view reaches the Lacuy peninsula.
How to get there
It's about 700 meters north of the Museo Regional and the Plaza de Armas. You can walk there, going up Lord Cochrane street.
Tip
It is quite windy atop the fort: bring a jacket. Below, the waterfront has small pebble beaches where locals walk at the end of the day.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Fuerte San Antonio
Was the Treaty of Tantauco signed at Fuerte San Antonio?
No. That's a common belief, but the treaty that incorporated Chiloé into Chile was signed at another location in the vicinity of Ancud.
Why is the fort important?
Ancud was the last Spanish stronghold in Chile and only surrendered in January 1826, years after independence.
How many cannons are there in the fort?
Seven cannons face the bay of Ancud, beside the walls.