Castillo de San Marcos
The oldest surviving masonry fort in the continental United States, a star-shaped stone fortress built by the Spanish from coquina stone, overlooking Matanzas Bay.
The fort was built by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695 from local coquina limestone. Cannonballs fired at its walls were absorbed by the soft stone rather than shattering it, and the fort was never taken by force. The ramparts and bastions offer wide views over the bay and the Old Town, and weekends often feature cannon demonstrations by staff in colonial-era costume. It is managed by the U.S. National Park Service. Admission is about US$15 (valid for seven days), and an America the Beautiful national park pass also covers entry.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
- St. George Street
- Oldest Wooden School House
- Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
- Plaza de la Constitución
- Casa Monica Hotel
- Bridge of Lions
- Flagler College (Hotel Ponce de Leon)