The Spaniards built two forts on top of Cerro Santa Lucia in the early 19th century. After the Spanish were defeated, the citadels were renamed in honor of Argentinean military leaders from the Army of the Andes. This is the entrance to Castillo Hidalgo, a tribute to Captain Manuel Hidalgo. The namesake for the other fortress was Jose Ignacio González. They both died on February 12, 1817, during the Battle of Chacabuco. This was a decisive campaign during the War of Independence of Chile.
