Castle sights in Africa
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Fortaleza
The old fort was built by the Portuguese in the mid-19th century near the site of an earlier fort. Inside is a garden and a small museum with remnants from the era of early Portuguese forays to the area.
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A
Al-Saraya al-Hamra
Al-Saraya al-Hamra, known as Tripoli Castle or Red Castle, was closed for renovations when we visited, but it should be a fascinating window on the past when it reopens. The castle represented the seat of power in Tripolitania until the 20th century and has evolved over the centuries into a citadel containing a labyrinth of courtyards, alleyways and houses. The total area of the castle is about 13,000 sq metres, including the area surrounded by high defensive walls now given over to the museum.
It will have the same entry fees and opening times as the museum when it again opens its doors.
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Castillo de Santa Bárbara
The Castillo de Santa Bárbara is not only the oldest fort on the Canaries, but the only castle that really looks the part. Perched up on Guanapay peak, with sweeping views across the plains, it was erected in the 16th century by Sancho de Herrera, consequently expanded and then fell into disuse. Since being restored, it houses the modest, yet fascinating Museo del Emigrante Canario, a poignant collection relating to the long history of migration from the islands to Spain's American colonies.
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B
Castillo de San Juan
A short walk along the waterfront southwest of the city brings you to the 17th-century Castillo de San Juan. In the shadow of this protective fort there used to be a lively trade in African slaves. Nowadays its squat, rectangular basalt form is overshadowed by the magnificent, soaring white wave of the Auditorio de Tenerife.
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C
Castillo de San Gabriel
The city's second castle, the curiously squat 16th-century Castillo de San Gabriel was sorely tested on several occasions by Moroccan and European pirates. Today it is home to occasional exhibitions, but generally closed to the public.
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Chateau Neuf
Much of the area around the headland overlooking the port is a military zone, but don't let that stop you visiting the misnamed Chateau Neuf, which is in fact the old, 14th-century fort of Merinid Sultan Abou Hassan.
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D
Heinitzburg Castle
Uphill from Robert Mugabe Ave are the three Windhoek 'castles', including the 1914 Heinitzburg, which today houses a hotel and a fine restaurant. The other castles, Schwerinsburg and Sanderburg, are nearby.
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E
Castle of Good Hope
Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch, this stone-walled pentagonal castle has never seen action in all its 350 years, unless you count the more-recent stormings by hordes of school kids and tourists. It’s worth timing your visit for one of the tours (the noon tour on weekdays coincides with the changing of the guard, since the castle is still the headquarters for the Western Cape military command), although you can quite easily find your own way around. An ancient key ceremony at the castle’s main gate is also held at 10am weekdays.
Inside are extensive displays of militaria and some interesting information about the castle’s archaeology and the reconstruction of…
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F
Schwerinsburg Castle
Uphill from Robert Mugabe Ave are the three Windhoek 'castles', including the 1913 Schwerinsburg. The other castles, Heinitzburg and Sanderburg, are nearby.
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G
Sanderburg Castle
Uphill from Robert Mugabe Ave are the three Windhoek 'castles', including the 1917 Sanderburg. The other castles, Heinitzburg and Schwerinsburg, are nearby.
reviewed
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H
Castillo de San Felipe
Outside the town centre there are some noteworthy spots, such as Castillo de San Felipe beside Playa Jardín.
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Fortaleza
The old fort was built by the Portuguese in the mid-19th century near the site of an earlier fort. Inside is a garden and a small museum with remnants from the era of early Portuguese forays to the area.
reviewed