CASTILLO DE SANTIAGO

Description

The fortress was built in the late Middle Ages, between 1468 and 1492 by the 2nd Duke of Medina Sidonia, Don Enrique Pérez de Guzmán y Fonseca, the Magnificent, within the context of the many aristocratic power struggles in Castile in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. That was the real reason for building the castle here: in order to face down the Duke´s greatest rival, the Marquis of Cadiz and Count of Arcos, Don Rodrigo Ponce de León and to counteract any intention of the monarchy to intervene in the conflict.

From the time of its construction until 1645, the castle served as a fortress for the Duke as well as a guest residence for some of the illustrious figures who came to Sanlúcar as their port of departure to sail the Atlantic: Queen Isabella, the Catholic Queen, who is said to have first set eyes on the sea from the castle, Christopher Columbus or Magellan, for instance.

• Multipurpose space available for the following activities:
  Painting, sculpture and photography Exhibitions
  Cultural events, arts & crafts fairs, antique shows
  Book presentations, musical performances
  Theatrical performances
  Conferences
  Receptions and banquets
  Business meetings
  Popular festivities events
  Congresses/conventions
  Awards ceremonies
  Guided tours for the general public
  Specific-topic tours for special interest groups
• Surface area and features of the installations
  Arms Courtyard, 1000 m2. open air with possibility of setting up a marqee
  Main Hall and ground floor keep: 120 y 50 m2, covered roof
  The Mermaid´s Barbican: 200 m2
  Showrooms and Exhibit Halls: from 100 to 350 m2, covered
  The Order´s Barbican: 200 m2, open air
  St. James´ Barbican: 225 m2, open air
  The Guards´ Room: 35 m2, covered
  The Keep Barbican: 175 m2, open air