Fuerte de San Martín, Santoña

The geographical situation of the town of Santoña with its Monte Buciero was considered privileged since ancient times as a strategic position to prevent access to the bay. However, since the 16th century there was already an awareness of how poorly protected the square was despite its incomparable location. The 17th and 18th centuries passed and Santoña and the whole bay continued in the same situation of military unprotection, as although there were plans on several occasions to carry out fortification works, they were never carried out, to the great concern of the civilian population who saw how easily their town was invaded and razed to the ground time and again by the French Armada.

In 1992 the following forts and batteries were declared an Asset of Cultural Interest with the category of monument: Fuerte del Mazo, Fuerte de San Martín, Fuerte de San Carlos, Batería Alta de San Martín, Batería Baja de Galbanes, Batería de San Felipe.

This complex has been declared a Cultural Site.