After marching through miles of wilderness, attackers could see the Castillo seemingly close, but taking it meant facing rising slopes, low walls, and a moat protected by Spanish soldiers and cannons. The fort’s massive high walls gave its defenders a perfect view of enemy movements, and cannons within the star-shaped fort were positioned to trap attackers in deadly crossfire. In 1702 and 1740, attackers chose long sieges rather than a direct assault on the fortress.