Museo Histórico Militar de Ceuta
Military museum in the Desnarigado castle on Monte Hacho in Ceuta, with collections of artillery, infantry, cavalry and engineers.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum occupies the former Desnarigado battery on Monte Hacho, which takes its name from a pirate who in 1417 landed on the beach below the fort and captured the Portuguese garrison defending it. On a 17th-century redoubt the present castle was built in the 19th century, designed by Ramón Carbonell.
At the beginning of the 20th century the building ceased to have a military use, and in 1958 it became an ammunition store. It was restored and fitted out as a museum until 1983, and opened to the public on 5 October 1984. Today it depends on the Centro de Historia y Cultura Militar de Ceuta, of the Spanish Army (Ejército de Tierra).
The rooms are devoted to cannons, infantry, cavalry, artillery, engineers and signals, the supply corps and military medicine. Among the highlights are a cast-iron cannon from a wreck of the French fleet, a bronze cannon of Arab manufacture dated 1635, the Portuguese culverin “Trueno”, cast in Hamburg in 1553, and a heliograph. The official website states that the museum is undergoing a museographic refurbishment.
Highlights
- 19th-century castle on Monte Hacho, built over a 17th-century redoubt
- Rooms on cannons, infantry, cavalry, artillery, engineers, supply corps and military medicine
- Portuguese culverin “Trueno”, cast in Hamburg in 1553
- Bronze cannon of Arab manufacture dated 1635
- Free admission
Permanent exhibitions
- Salas de armas: cañones, infantería, caballería y artillería – Artillery pieces from different periods, such as the cast-iron cannon from a French shipwreck and the Portuguese culverin “Trueno”, alongside infantry and cavalry material, including items from the Montesa Regiment No. 3.
- Salas de ingenieros, transmisiones, intendencia y sanidad – Engineer and signals equipment, including a heliograph, and collections of the military supply and medical services, as well as memorabilia of Ceuta’s military history.
- Founded
- 1984
- Operated by
- Ejército de Tierra (Instituto de Historia y Cultura Militar, Centro de Historia y Cultura Militar de Ceuta)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The main entrance has a step of about 8 cm, which can be overcome with a ramp with the help of another person. The building has several floors, with slopes between them; two rooms are reached by three metal ramps. There is a reserved parking space next to the building. The accessible toilet has limitations on door width and turning space. There is no induction loop.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
- Accessible parking
The museum is on the Carretera del Hacho, outside the urban centre, and can only be reached by car (private or taxi). There is parking for cars, but not for coaches.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| Good to know | A DNI or passport must be presented to enter. Access is by private car or taxi (buses are not permitted). The audio guide is accessed via QR code. Extraordinary evening openings are with a free guided visit and prior booking by telephone or email. |
