Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

National Monument · FL · nps.gov page

Drawbridge entrance to the Castillo de San Marcos
Crossing a dry moat, this drawbridge was the only way into the Castillo.Photo: NPS Photo

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.

Larger map

News

  • A collage featuring voluntters in living history clothing and khaki uniforms fulfilling a variety of roles, ranging from welcoming visitors at a desk to firing cannons.
    Volunteer Fair at the Waterworks Offers Opportunities at Castillo de San Marcos

    Castillo de San Marcos National Monument invites the public to attend a volunteer fair on Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Waterworks, 184 San Marco Ave.

  • Superintendent Alvino standing in front of blue water and greenery.
    Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments Welcome New Superintendent

    The National Park Service has selected Angelita Alvino as the new superintendent of Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments. Alvino has served as superintendent of the national parks of St. Croix for nearly five years and brings more than 25 years of NPS experience. She started her official role as superintendent on Aug. 23. 

  • Castillo Seawall Project Begins in July

    On July 27, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will begin mobilizing for construction to replace, raise and rehabilitate the park’s failing seawalls and protect the historic fort and the broader St. Augustine community. Visitor access to the historic fort will be maintained throughout this project, which is expected to take approximately 18 months.  Some areas on the fort grounds will be closed to ensure public safety during construction.

  • Castillo Visitor Parking Lot will Close to Vehicles on July 4 for Florida Freedom Tour

    On July 4, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the city of St. Augustine will close vehicle access to the main visitor parking for the Florida Freedom Tour and Independence Day events.

Photos

Furnace for heating cannon balls
This furnace, in the water battery on the east side of the Castillo, heated cannonballs red hot to be fired at wooden vessels.Photo: NPS Photo
Four black iron cannon mounted on carriages line the walls of the Castillo.
The Castillo features both iron and bronze cannon and mortar from the period.Photo: NPS Photo
Re-enactors of the first Spanish period cover their ears while firing a cannon.
Cannon firing demonstrations are scheduled five times a day every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.Photo: NPS Photo
Aerial view of the Castillo and the city of St. Augustine
the Castillo commands the northern edge of the heart of downtown St. Augsutine.Photo: NPS Photo

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.