Fuerte de San Carlos

The origins of the fortress date back to the 13th century, when a watchtower, the Torre de Senyals de Portopí, was built on this site, also serving as a lighthouse. At the beginning of the 17th century, by order of King Felipe III, planning for a fortress complex began. Construction started in 1608, and the first section was completed by 1610. An expansion followed until 1612, with the old watchtower integrated into the new structure, forming the eastern cornerstone. Originally known as Castell de Portopí, the complex later received its current name, Fuerte de San Carlos. Between 1662 and 1663, the fortress was supplemented by a defensive wall, giving it its current rectangular shape.