In 1573 this fortress was built on the outer islet by order of Don Agustin de Herrera y Rojas. Originally it was a wooden fortress, but it was insufficient to fulfill the defensive tasks, being finally set on fire, in 1586, by Barbary pirates, which led to the islet It has also been called "del Quemado".

After various reconstructions and reforms, highlighting the intervention of the Italian engineer Leonardo Torriani, was replaced by a stone castle, which played a fundamental role in the protection of the port and the city. Although its current appearance dates from the 18th century.

The Castle communicates with the mainland by the Puente de las Balls, also built in the s. XVI, and with which it forms a set of great value.

Although over time it lost its military usefulness and was deactivated in 1896, the Castle was readied again for defense in 1898 on the occasion of the Spanish-American War, receiving the cannons that today adorn its entrance.

It was declared a National Historical Monument in 1972 and from then until a few years, it housed an Archaeological Museum in the various archaeological remains from the period could be admired aboriginal. 

Currently houses the Reef History Museum.

Where is it