Summary
During the 18th century, Cartagena and its arsenal emerged as the primary naval facility of the Spanish Mediterranean, defended by three interconnected fortification systems. The first system comprised perimeter ramparts and a battery to safeguard the shipyard itself, while the second focused on marine defense through batteries at the harbor's mouth. The third system addressed land-based threats with town ramparts and external forts on key hills. These defenses proved effective in protecting both the arsenal and the city from external attacks, remaining operational until the early 20th century when many were abandoned. This study highlights the strategic architectural and military significance of these fortifications during a pivotal period for Spain's naval power.
Citation
Martínez López, J. A. (2015). Los sistemas defensivos del Real Arsenal de Cartagena (S. XVIII). MODERN AGE FORTIFICATIONS of the MEDITERRANEAN COAST - DEFENSIVE ARCHITECTURE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN (FORTMED2015). https://doi.org/10.4995/fortmed2015.2015.1766