The Castell de Portopí was built under Rey Felipe III between 1610 and 1612; it became Mallorca’s most substantial fortress. The castle’s name changed soon into that of Castell de Sant Carles in reverence of Mallorca’s Viceroy, Virrey Carlos Coloma de Saa (1567-1637). The fortress’s principal task was the defense of any maritime approach to Palma and its port, often by pirate incursions. In 1662, the fortifications were expanded, and again, in 1890. During the 18th century, the fort found use as a hospital for tropical diseases. At the time of the Spanish Guerra Civil, the castle was decisive in anti-aircraft resistance; once the Republican movement was defeated, Sant Carles also served as a military prison.

Since 1980, Sant Carles houses the Museu Històric Militar. The display contains the usual artifacts of weaponry as well as remnants of Spain’s military implications in the Philippines, Cuba, North Africa and the Balkans. The Sant Carles museum is open Monday to Friday (09h00 to 13h00) and Saturdays (10h00 to 13h00); entrance admission is free.

The photo was taken in Palma de Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: June 17th, 2010. The time was 09:56:26.