Arrecife Car Hire - Castillo de San José

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King Charles III ordered this castle to be built between 1773 and 1779 in the highest part of the Bahía de Naos, overlooking a cliff, so that it could control the bays of Los Mármoles and de Naos. Covering an area of 700 m2, the main gate of this semi-circular structure faces north. It was built for two reasons: to defend the port of Naos and its surroundings and also as a way to create work for the indigent inhabitants of the island. For the latter reason it was called the “Fortaleza del Hambre” (the Fort of Hunger). Today it holds the Museum of Contemporary Art, whose permanent collection includes famous 20th Century painters such as Pancho Lasso, Miró, Mompó, Dámaso, Tapies and has a corner dedicated to the singular César Manrique. It also hosts conferences and concerts and has a restaurant with a panoramic view of the Puerto de los Mármoles.