Castillo de San Marcos National Monument


Built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States and interprets more than 450 years of cultural intersections.

On State Route A1A overlooking Matanzas Bay in the heart of the historic district of Saint Augustine, the Castillo is approximately a five mile drive from Interstate 95.

  • Living History
  • Historic Weapons Demonstration
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Park Film

  • Architecture and Building
  • Forts
  • Hispanic American Heritage
  • Maritime
  • Coastal Defenses
  • Military
  • Artillery
  • Monuments and Memorials
  • Wars and Conflicts
  • Colonial/European Contact Conflicts

Castillo Drawbridge

Drawbridge entrance to the Castillo de San Marcos

Crossing a dry moat, this drawbridge was the only way into the Castillo.

Castillo de San Marcos Hot Shot Furnace

Furnace for heating cannon balls

This furnace, in the water battery on the east side of the Castillo, heated cannonballs red hot to be fired at wooden vessels.

Castillo de San Marcos Cannon

Four black iron cannon mounted on carriages line the walls of the Castillo.

The Castillo features both iron and bronze cannon and mortar from the period.

Castillo de San Marcos Cannon Firing

Re-enactors of the first Spanish period cover their ears while firing a cannon.

Cannon firing demonstrations are scheduled five times a day every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Castillo de San Marcos Aerial View

Aerial view of the Castillo and the city of St. Augustine

the Castillo commands the northern edge of the heart of downtown St. Augsutine.