Castillo de San Cristóbal

Castillo de San Cristobal

The Castillo de San Cristobal, as seen from the harbor of Vanie
Type	Military ziggurat, naval base, and shipyard
Built	1501 AN (original), 1706 AN (rebuilt)
Used	1501 AN - 1598 AN 1706 AN - present
Controlled by	Oportian Security Forces
Current Commander	Admiral Alejandro Montoya
Additional Info
Past Commanders	Admiral Elias Vesperi, Admiral Amelia Oporto
Occupants	Oportian Navy Oportian Bullion Depository

The Castillo de San Cristobal is a large Babkhan military ziggurat (MilZig), naval base, and shipyard located in the harbor of Vanie, the capital city of Oportia. The structure was carved out of a prominent granite mountain that once dominated the harbor, rising to a height of 396 meters (1,299 feet) above sea level.

History

The Castillo de San Cristobal was originally built by Babkha in 1501 AN as a strategic military outpost and shipyard. The Babkhans recognized the importance of the mountain's location and its potential for defending the harbor. They carved the ziggurat and its associated structures directly into the mountain, creating a formidable fortress. The construction process took nearly a decade, employing thousands of workers and utilizing advanced engineering techniques for the time. After the collapse of the Babkhan Empire in 1598 AN, the Castillo de San Cristobal was abandoned and fell into disrepair. The structure was destroyed during this period, likely due to a combination of natural weathering and deliberate vandalism. The mountain remained unoccupied for over a century, with only ruins and remnants of the once-great fortress remaining.

In 1706 AN AN, when Oportia was founded and established its capital in Vanie, the new government decided to rebuild the Castillo de San Cristobal. The reconstruction process aimed to restore the ziggurat to its former glory and enhance its military capabilities. The rebuilt structure served as a naval base and shipyard, playing a crucial role in the defense of Oportia's capital and its maritime interests. The reconstruction took several years, utilizing modern construction methods and materials while preserving the original Babkhan architectural style.

Oportian Bullion Depository and Underground Facilities

Within the Castillo de San Cristobal, a deep fortified bunker complex was constructed to house the Oportian Bullion Depository. This secure facility is responsible for storing a significant portion of Oportia's gold and silver reserves, as well as other precious metals and valuable assets. The bunker is located deep within the mountain, accessible only through heavily guarded tunnels and secured by state-of-the-art technology. The exact amount of bullion stored in the depository is a closely guarded state secret, but it is believed to be one of the largest reserves in the country. In addition to the bullion depository, the underground complex houses a nuclear reactor that provides power for the entire base. The reactor is heavily shielded and maintained by a team of highly trained engineers to ensure its safe operation.

Underwater Submarine Base

The Castillo de San Cristobal also features an underwater submarine base, which is carved into the lower levels of the mountain. This state-of-the-art facility allows submarines to enter and exit the base undetected, providing a strategic advantage for the Oportian Navy. The submarine base is equipped with advanced docking systems, maintenance bays, and weapon storage facilities.

Present Day

As a key military installation crucial to the security of Oportia, the Castillo de San Cristobal remains an active naval base and shipyard for the Oportian Navy. It is home to several naval vessels, including frigates, corvettes, and submarines. The shipyard facilities are capable of constructing and maintaining a wide range of naval craft. Due to its strategic importance, the Castillo de San Cristobal is a well-protected and private installation. Public access to the base is strictly prohibited and information about its operations and facilities is kept confidential. The Oportian government maintains a high level of security around the Castillo de San Cristobal to ensure the safety and integrity of this vital military asset.

See also

• Oportian Security Forces
• Government and politics of Oportia
• Babkhan Holocaust
• Oportian Bullion Depository