The fortification of Alicante designed by the engineer Ambrosio Borçano

Since the fortification of Alicante was implemented in 1535, the city had not developed any defensive features which could counteract sea attacks. The extramural growth of the city into the suburb of San Francisco seriously hindered its defence, which was proven with the French bombardment of 1691 after more than 150 years of inactivity. By 1677 Grand Master Borçano Ambrosio drew up a plan of a new defence for Alicante that would eventually not be carried out but would be the foundation of the bastion of San Carlos, the only defensive bastion carried out after the bombardment to protect against an attack from the sea