Castillo de Mata
The Castillo de Mata anchors the city’s coastal defense because it began life as a dedicated fortification at the end of the city wall. In 1577, engineer Juan Alonso Rubián prepared the first version: a round tower at the wall’s edge. That structure did not survive intact—during the Dutch Armada led by Pieter van der Does, the fort was damaged in 1599, and after the Dutch defeat it was rebuilt by Francisco de la Rúa, taking the name Castillo de Casa Mata. Its function was specifically “casamata,” meaning it was adapted to protect and position artillery: it was equipped with 9 cannon and described as a small but formidable castle with a “towerlet” able to complicate an approach and sweep attackers with fire from the exterior. By 1780, the layout had shifted toward heavy defense, with parapets, loopholes, magazines, and a rebuilt guard area. …
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