The Evolution of San Felipe Castle After the two demolitions

After Menorca was recovered by Spain under the Treaty of Amiens in 1802, a second demolition of San Felipe Castle was carried out, and the land was eventually sold. Later, faced with the need to protect the harbor entrance, the land was reacquired to establish a military garrison on the remains of the old castle, reusing some buildings.

Throughout the 19th century and until the mid-20th century, artillery was always stationed on the grounds of the former castle. Different artillery materials were used in response to the evolution of armament. In 1904, fixed torpedoes (submerged mines) were installed between the castle and the Felipet (on the other side of the harbor). In 1924, the defenses were expanded with the installation of a mobile torpedo station, which, along with a similar one at La Mola, closed off access to the harbor.

Beginning in the mid-20th century, archaeological excavations began to uncover parts of the castle that had been covered under two meters of rubble since 1782. The well and part of the central courtyard of the Spanish castle were accessed. During the excavations, a large number of remains and objects from the garrison’s daily life (ceramics, utensils, projectiles, etc.) were recovered, which are now housed in the Military History Museum of Menorca.

Subsequent excavations have uncovered various long-hidden structures. Access to some of the underground galleries that ran beneath the entire castle, connecting the center with the outer works, has also been uncovered. Some of the underground storage and countermines have also been accessed. The entire network of galleries totaled some 8 km; approximately 1.5 km can now be visited, enough to fully appreciate the enormous work carried out for its construction.