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Fortress · Porlamar, Nova Esparta
Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo
The 17th-century Spanish fort on the waterfront of Pampatar, built of coral stone to protect the port from pirates and privateers. It has star-shaped walls, a moat, cannons facing the bay and, opposite it, the church of Cristo del Buen Viaje.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo
The Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo is the largest colonial fort in Margarita and the center of the old town of Pampatar. It was built by the Spanish from 1662, after the Dutch destroyed the previous fort, to protect the port—through which the island’s pearls and salt were shipped—from pirate and privateer attacks. The walls are made of coral stone, taken from the surrounding sea.
The layout is that of a bastioned fortress, with four bastions at the corners, thick walls and a moat around. Inside are the parade ground, the chapel, the storage rooms and the barracks, and on top of the walls the cannons still point toward the bay. From the top you can see the port, the fishing boats and the coast as far as Porlamar.
In front of the castle, across the street, stands the Igreja do Santísimo Cristo del Buen Viaje, from the 18th century, with an external staircase leading up to the bell tower—an architectural detail typical of Margarita’s churches. Inside is the image of Christ venerated by fishermen and sailors. Nearby, the old Casa de la Aduana recalls the time when Pampatar was the island’s main port.
On the hill to the east, the Fortín de La Caranta, also from the 17th century, completed the defense of the bay entrance. Today it serves as a lookout, with remains of walls and cannons and a wide view of the harbor and the castle.
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
About 1 hour for the castle and the church; another half hour for the Fortín de La Caranta.
Best time
In the morning, before the heat strengthens and with good light over the bay. The castle’s opening hours vary; check before you go.
How to get there
It’s on the waterfront in downtown Pampatar, about 10 km from Porlamar via the coastal avenue, a 15–20 minute drive by car or taxi. The Fortín de La Caranta is on the hill to the east, a few minutes by car.
Tip
Climb the seaward side of the walls to see the bay with the fishing boats. Then cross the street to the Cristo del Buen Viaje church and notice the external staircase on the bell tower.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo
When was the castle built?
From 1662, after the Dutch destroyed the former fort. It was built to protect the port of Pampatar from pirate and privateer attacks.
What material are the walls made of?
Of coral stone, quarried from the sea around the island.
What is the Fortín de La Caranta?
A smaller fort, also from the 17th century, on the hilltop east of the bay. It completed the port’s defense and today serves as a lookout point.
Is the church in front of the castle also old?
Yes, the Igreja do Santísimo Cristo del Buen Viaje dates from the 18th century and has the external staircase on the bell tower, typical of Margarita’s churches.