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.

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 Hot Shot Furnace

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

Castillo de San Marcos Cannon

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

Castillo Drawbridge

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

Castillo de San Marcos Cannon Firing

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

Castillo De San Marcos National Monument

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