Place

San Pablo Bastion

When viewed from above, as from a bird’s eye, the Castillo is square in shape, with four diamond-shaped battlements extending from each corner. These diamond shaped bastions are connected by the gundeck. The San Pablo Bastion is located on the northwest corner of the Castillo.  The view from this bastion includes the moat, the north green of the Castillo, and the City’s parking garage. The historic city can also be seen from this location.  The bastion has low walls, about 5 feet tall. Each side of the diamond-shaped structure is unique. Facing the bastion from the gundeck, going from left to right:  At the left corner is a two step platform that wraps around the corner. The walls have cutouts about three feet wide by three feet high, stopping at two feet height above the floor. There is a cutout in the south facing wall with a wayside exhibit in front of it and another cutout to the right of it.  At the northwest corner is a sentry box—a cylindrical shaped structure, with a domed top. It is closed to the public by a wooden barricade.  The west facing wall has one cutout.  In the center of the bastion is a 9 foot square, low wooden platform. A rope stretches between metal posts at each corner. In the center of the platform is another wooden platform on which sits a 15-inch diameter bronze mortar. The bronze has weathered into a pale green patina color. The tube-shaped barrel of the mortar is tilted up into the air at about a 45-degree angle. Its base is connected, crossways, to a thick bronze rod. This rod is secured to the wooden platform by thick metal strips with rounded metal knobs. The front of the mortar platform has a raised wooded lip with metal strips securing it on each end. The mortar barrel has ornate bronze sculptures. At the center of the barrel is a coat of arms. At the top, are two curved handles in a dolphin shape.

Quick Facts

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

The design of the fort consists of four diamond-shaped bastions and four connecting walls known as curtains. Cannon were mounted in the embrasures, the cut-outs in the parapet walls. These walls protected the cannon and their crews from incoming fire.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

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Last updated: April 9, 2021