Embark on a thrilling journey through time on this tiny islet! Picture the grandeur of the ancient temple that once stood here - the Temple of Kronos, an ancient Titan of the Greek gods, the father of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hestia, Demeter, and Hera.
Fast forward to 1457, where a Venetian ship's crew, battling the plague, built a hermitage, a testament to resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
But the excitement doesn't stop there! In the early 18th century, witness the rise of a formidable fortress, an irregular stronghold defending the city's northern flank. Picture the lighthouse, a marvel on the base of a Muslim watchtower, a creation by Rafael de la Cerda in 1908 – a one-of-a-kind iron structure.
Feel the drama unfold in 1811 when the brave Maltese sailor, Juan Bautista Azopardo, landed on these shores as a prisoner of war in service to the insurrectionary Junta of Buenos Aires. Secrets and suspicions surrounded him, leading to a thrilling escape attempt and a transfer to the military prison in Ceuta.
Between 1815 and 1817, the fortress witnessed the tales of Manuel Antonio de la Cerda, Telesforo, and Juan Argüello – rebels imprisoned for the 1811 insurrection in Granada, now León, Nicaragua. Freed and pardoned by King Fernando VII, they rose to become Nicaragua's trailblazing Supreme Heads of State. A captivating saga with a tragic twist, as Telesforo Argüello met his end in captivity.
Hold your breath as the sea castle transforms into a cinematic backdrop! Imagine the magic of Spanish cinema's most expensive production, "Alatriste," unfolding on these historic grounds in 2005. Hollywood, too, was captivated, using it for action-packed scenes in the James Bond film "Die Another Day," starring Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry.
And as you explore, let the melodies of Spanish indie pop group Señor Chinarro's song "Del Montón" echo through the castle's silhouette – a lyrical nod to the mighty Castle of San Sebastián, where boats moor on the shores of the sea, and adventures come to life! “Near was the Castle / that of San Sebastián / of the boats that moor / on the shore of the sea …”
