Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Crossing a dry moat, this drawbridge was the only way into the Castillo.
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.
Map showing location of park.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Becomes First National Park to Earn Certified Autism Center™ Designation
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument joins a growing number of tourism and recreation-related organizations in northeast Florida to be awarded the Certified Autism Center™ designation by The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
An aerial view of the Castillo grounds and parking lot with green lines to show the safe route for sidewalk usage and road crossing.
Construction Closure: Sidewalk at Fort Alley
Due to construction, park sidewalks will be closed at the Fort Alley crosswalk.
Holiday Open House Scheduled for Saturday, December 14
Holiday Open House at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Scheduled for Saturday, December 14. Events to include cannon firing demonstrations and performances by the US Navy Band Southeast.
Castillo de San Marcos & Fort Matanzas National Monuments to Reopen on Saturday, October 12, 2024, following Hurricane Milton
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will return to normal operations on Saturday, October 12, 2024, following Hurricane Helene. Fort Matanzas National Monument will reopen, with restrictions, on Saturday, as well.
Castillo de San Marcos & Fort Matanzas to Close on Monday, October 7, 2024, due to Hurricane Milton
Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments will be CLOSED starting Monday, October 7, 2024, in anticipation of severe weather and potential impacts from Hurricane Milton.
Drawbridge entrance to the Castillo de San Marcos
Photo by NPS Photo
Furnace for heating cannon balls
Photo by NPS Photo
Four black iron cannon mounted on carriages line the walls of the Castillo.
Photo by NPS Photo
Re-enactors of the first Spanish period cover their ears while firing a cannon.
Photo by NPS Photo
Aerial view of the Castillo and the city of St. Augustine
Photo by NPS Photo