- Address: Chile, Villeparaiso, Juan Fernandez Islands, Fr. Robinson Crusoe, San Juan Bautista;
- Built: in 1749 year.
The old Spanish fort Santa Barbara is one of the main attractions of Juan Fernandez - a group of islands in Chile (province of Valparaiso ). The fort is located in the city of San Juan Bautista on the island of Robinson Crusoe , near the central square.
History of Fort Santa Barbara
In 1715, two Spanish generals hid in the bowels of the island of Robinson Crusoe, the only inhabited of the entire archipelago, the gold of the conquistadors. It was like a magnet attracted pirates, raging at the time along the coast of South America. The Spaniards everywhere strengthened coastal cities by military garrisons and built defensive structures to prevent an attack from the sea. The islands of Juan Fernandez were no exception. The fort in the northeastern part of Robinson Crusoe Island was built in 1749. A fishing village was formed around it, which eventually turned into the largest town on the islands - the city of San Juan Bautista. The fort was located on a hill in front of the natural harbor, the Gulf of Cumberland, and reliably defended the inhabitants of the island from the unexpected invasion of sea robbers. Constructed from local stone, he had in his arsenal 15 guns of various calibers. The fort fulfilled its mission for several centuries, but after independence Chile lost its relevance. Its walls were gradually destroyed, being subjected to numerous earthquakes and tsunamis. In order to preserve the historical heritage in 1979, the fortress of Santa Barbara was included in the list of national monuments of Chile.
Fort Santa Barbara in our days
The most interesting in the exposition of the fort is the rusted from time, but perfectly preserved guns, which are exhibited next to the remnants of the fortress walls. Part of the guns are installed in the harbor harbor and on the streets of San Juan Bautista. From the walls of the fort there is a picturesque view of the city, Cumberland Bay and the surrounding mountains.
How to get there?
The city of San Juan Bautista is on the island of Robinson Crusoe, about 700 km from the mainland of Chile . From Santiago , regular flights to the island are made; the flight takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. From the airport, located at the opposite end of the island, another 1.5 hours to sail by ferry to the city. Sea voyage by yacht or ship from Valparaiso will last from one day to two, depending on the weather conditions.