As far as fortresses are concerned, this one's pretty cool. America's oldest and best-preserved masonry fortification took 23 years (1672-95) to build. It is stellar in design, with a double drawbridge entrance (the only way in or out) over a 40-foot dry moat. Diamond-shaped bastions in each corner, which enabled cannons to set up a deadly crossfire, contained sentry towers. The indestructible Castillo was never captured in battle, and its coquina (limestone made from broken seashells and corals) walls did not crumble when pounded by enemy artillery or violent storms throughout more than 300 years. Today the old bombproof storerooms surrounding the central plaza have exhibits about the history of the fort, a national monument since 1924. You can tour the vaulted powder magazine, a dank prison cell (supposedly haunted), the chapel, and guard rooms. Climb the stairs to get a great view of Matanzas Bay. A self-guided tour map and brochure are provided at the ticket booth. If available, the 20- to 30-minute ranger talks are well worth attending. Popular torchlight tours of the fort are offered in winter.
If you like forts, you should also check out Fort Matanzas, built on an island in the 1740s to warn St. Augustine of enemy attacks from the south (which were out of reach of Castillo de San Marcos). For information, call tel. 904/471-0116 or visit www.nps.gov/foma. Fort Matanzas is open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm, and admission and the ferry ride to the island are free, though donations are accepted.
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