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Fortress · A Coruña, Galicia
Castelo de San Antón
16th-century fortress on a former islet in the port of A Coruña, which defended the bay and later served as a prison; today it houses the Museu Arqueológico e Histórico.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Castelo de San Antón
The castelo de San Antón stands at the tip of the port of A Coruña, at the end of the promenade that departs from the Cidade Velha. It was built in the 16th century on a small rocky islet where there had been a hermitage dedicated to Santo Antón, to defend the entrance to the bay. Later the islet was connected to the mainland by harbor infill.
The castelo took part in the city's defense in 1589 during the attack by Francis Drake's English fleet. Over the centuries it also served as a prison, and among its prisoners, at the end of the 18th century, was Alessandro Malaspina, an Italian navigator in the service of Spain.
Since 1968 the castelo has housed the Museu Arqueológico e Histórico de A Coruña. The rooms display prehistoric pieces, gold jewelry from the castros such as diadems and torcs, objects from the Roman period, medieval items and the history of the castle and the city.
From the top of the walls you can see the bay, the port and the galleries of avenida da Mariña.
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
45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.
Best time
In the morning or afternoon, during museum opening hours; check before you go. Late afternoon gives the best light over the bay.
How to get there
It is at the end of paseo Alcalde Francisco Vázquez, on the port, about a 10-minute walk from the Cidade Velha.
Tip
Climb up onto the castle walls: the view of avenida da Mariña from there is different from the one you get in the center.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castelo de San Antón
What is in the castelo de San Antón?
The Museu Arqueológico e Histórico de A Coruña, with prehistoric pieces, jewelry from the castros and Roman and medieval objects.
Was the castelo an island?
Yes, it was built on a small rocky island, later connected to the mainland by harbour land reclamation.
Did the castelo serve as a prison?
Yes, over the centuries, and one of the prisoners was the navigator Alessandro Malaspina.