Despeñaperros Castle (Cartagena)

This castle, also known as Saint Joseph Castle, was built during the 19th century where today is the historic centre of the city, located on the hill of Despeñaderos at 55 meters of altitude.

Formerly on this same hill was a temple dedicated to the Roman god Vulcan, who was also worshiped by the Punics under the name Chousor, god of fire and iron.

This castle fulfilled the function of protecting one of the entrances to Cartagena, the Castle of the Moors, and the Naval Hospital. The interior of this bastioned building is divided into a lower area, where the rooms and a water tank are located, and an upper area, where the cannons were placed.

The Castle of Despeñaderos obtained the declaration of Asset of Cultural Interest on August 7, 1997.