Overview:

is a fort located at the entrance to Havana harbour in Havana, Cuba. The fort has a long and rich history, first built in 1590 by the Spanish for defence, it was the site of many battles and events throughout the centuries. This impressive fort is still open to visitors and offers fantastic views of the ocean and the city of Havana. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cuba
Prominent Features:

1. Its strategic location – The Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta is located strategically on the narrowest point of the Havana harbor entrance. It is one of the major fortifications built by the Spanish conquistadors to protect the city. 2. Historical importance – The castle is a reminder of the rich Spanish colonial history of Cuba and its importance during that time. As the main Spanish port of America, the castle is also known as the guardian of the harbor and is one of the largest fortifications in the entire Caribbean. 3. Unique architecture – The castle has an interesting combination of Renaissance and Baroque styles. It features two cannon towers, a drawbridge, three courtyards and two bastions. The drawbridge is the main entrance to the castle and features a beautiful archway. 4. Fantastic views – The castle offers impressive views of the city and the nearby fortress of La Cabaña. It also offers a perfect spot for viewing the famous Malecon (sea wall) of Havana. 5. Cultural significance – The Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta is an important monument in Cuba and is listed as a national monument by UNESCO. It is a symbol of Cuban heritage and a reminder of the city’s turbulent past. This national monument of Cuba portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta, commonly known as the La Punta Fortress, is located in Havana, Cuba. Constructed in 1589, the fortress defended no fewer than three city walls built by the Spanish, all of which are now gone. Today, the La Punta Fortress stands as a reminder of the region’s fortification efforts, and has become a popular destination for tourists in Havana. La Punta’s history began when it was commissioned by Felipe II in 1587. Construction began in 1589, and the project was completed in 1596. The fortress was built to protect Havana from potential naval attack, and it featured four sections and a number of specialized batteries. It was designed to defend the city's bay, and it was equipped with 140 artillery pieces and bombproof shelters. The fortress was used throughout the early eighteenth century to defend the city. It also served as a base for the Spanish colonial fleet, allowing them to intercept English corsairs. During the Seven Years’ War, English ships were able to take advantage of the fortress’s reduced defenses and launch a successful amphibious assault in July 1763, causing serious damage to the city and forcing a five-month occupation. In the 19th century, La Punta took on a less military role, and was used to house treasury patrol ships and commercial ships. It also became a prison during the War of 1868. The fortress was damaged by an earthquake in 1846, and its defenses were reduced further in 1873. In 1939, the fortress was declared a national monument. Since then, the La Punta Fortress has been restored to its former glory, and it is now part of the Museum of the Cuban Armed Forces. Its cannons still fire on special occasions, such as military parades or when the President visits the fortress. Today, La Punta is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Havana, with visitors flocking to the site to view its surviving walls, its cannons, and to learn the fascinating history of the la Punta Fortress. You must visit one of these historical places in Cuba on your Cuba tour

Interesting facts:

1. Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta was built in 1587 and is considered one of the oldest and most important fortifications in Havana. 2. It was designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Battista Antonelli and built by Nicolas de Carderana for the Spanish Crown. 3. The castle is rectangular with nine bastions surrounding the main structure. 4. It has two access gateways facing Havana harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. 5. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. 6. The castle is home to the Museum of the Fortress, which houses artifacts from the Spanish colonial period. 7. The castle also features a place of worship that was originally used as a chapel for Spanish soldiers. 8. There is also a library inside the fort that contains books from the nineteenth century. 9. The Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta is home to an annual festivities event called Fiesta de la Punta and features performances, music, food, arts, and other activities. 10. It is also an important tourist attraction in Havana, as it offers great views over the city and harbor. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cuba with your friends and family.