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| Mota Castle | |
|---|---|
| San Sebastian, in Spain | |
 Ilustration by Joris Hoefnagel of San Sebastian in the 16th century showing the castle at the top of Mount Urgull | |
| Site history | |
| In use | Late 11th century – 19th century |
| Events | |
La Mota Castle (Castillo de la Mota) is the old fortress in San Sebastian, Spain. The castle's primary defences were its thick walls, its strategic placement on the hilltop of Mount Urgull (Monte Orgullo), and its integration with the city's overall fortifications.
History
Peninsular War
Main article: Peninsular WarSiege of San Sebastian (7 July – 8 September 1813)
Main article: Siege of San SebastianFortifications at San Sebastian
The defences at San Sebastian in 1813 were a combination of natural and man-made features, with the city's fortifications and La Mota castle on Monte Orgullo being distinct but interconnected defences. Thus, the city's location on a narrow peninsula provided some natural protection, with the estuary of the River Urumea to the east and to the west, "a tiny bay about sixteen hundred yards across at its broadest," further limiting access. Its man-made fortifications included a high wall, eight feet thick, with the bastion of St. Elmo at the north-eastern angle, and the two small towers of Los Hornos and Las Miguetas towards the southern end with a bastion in the centre, "covered by a hornwork, with the usual counterscarp, covered way and glacis; but these works were dominated throughout by the neighbouring heights which were in range of cannon". The hornwork (a triangular fortification projecting outward) further strengthened the defences on the landward side. The bastions, projecting outward, allowed for flanking fire.
Monte Orgullo itself was protected from assault from the north by deep water and cliffs. The guns of La Mota, together with two batteries to right and left of it, "were able from their great elevation to sweep the isthmus from end to end", thereby providing artillery support to the city's defences, while the city walls helped protect the lower slopes of Monte Orgullo.
References
- ^ Fortescue, J. W. (1920). A History of the British Army, Vols. IX and X. 1813-1814, p. 225. MacMillan and Co. Ltd.
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