Monterreal Fortress Cannon - Baiona, Spain
N 42° 07.616 W 008° 51.099
29T E 512261 N 4663880
According to a royal warrant issued by king Alfonso XI the wall was built around 1337. The fortress represents the visible consequence of king Alfonso XI's disagreements with the king of Portugal.
Waymark Code: WM4N7Z
Location: Spain
Date Posted: 09/10/2008
Views: 22
In 1497, the Catholic Monarchs ordered the population in Baiona to live inside de walls. Nevertheless, the inhabitants were not happy with the royal decision and only observed it for a few years. After that the fortress became residence for military governors commanding the area -for instance, the Count of Gondomar.
Nowadays the area is a State Hotel where the three surveillance towers still stand. The Tower of the Clock is found near the entrance. Inside this tower there was a hidden warning bell which served as an alarm in case of enemy attacks. The Tower of the Tenaille rises to the East: its duty was to defend the port with artillery. In the West the Tower of the Prince stands over the bay. This is probably the oldest tower and it used to serve as lighthouse for vessels. It shows three coats of arms (the Austrias's, the Sotomaior's and the one of Baiona). The tower was named after the Portuguese prince Afonso Enriques, imprisoned inside the tower in 1137.
The Fortress can be visited all through the year (admission: 1 euro). Amazing sunsets over the ria and the Cíes islands can be admired from the walls. Not to miss the coastline along which Baiona stretches.
What type of artillery is this?: Canon
Where is this artillery located?: Monument grounds
Parking location to view this Waymark: N 42° 07.525 W 008° 50.971
Cost?: 1.00 (listed in local currency)
Artillery is no longer operational: yes
Still may work: no
Are there any geocaches at this location?:
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GC3B40X
What military of the world used this device?: Not listed
Date artillery was in use: Not listed
Date artillery was placed on display: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Two pictures are required for this Waymark. Please take a close up picture of the artillery. Take a second with the artillery in the distance and capture as much of the surroundings as possible. Name the Waymark with first the name of the area and second what the artillery is. An example would be if it were a cannon in front of the Montgomery Armory you would name the Waymark: Montgomery Armory Cannon.