Overview:

is an icon of the Cuban city of Havana and a National Monument of Cuba. It is located on the eastern side of the entrance to the Havana Bay and is one of the oldest fortresses in the Americas. It was built between 1589 and 1630 by the Spanish to protect the city of Havana from invasions. The fortress has six levels with a broad esplanade which overlooks the Havana Bay. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction with guided tours available. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cuba
Prominent Features:

1. Walls and Moats: The fortress is surrounded by thick stone walls and deep moats to protect it from sea-based attacks. 2. Lighthouse: Faro Castillo del Morro has a tall octagonal-shaped lighthouse, which signals ships sailing towards the Havana harbour. 3. Gun Emplacements: Along the walls of the fort, there are dozens of gun emplacements. These weapons were used to defend the fort from enemy attacks. 4. Statue of Freedom: A bronze statue of freedom stands at the entrance to the fort, reminding all visitors of Cuba's struggle for independence. 5. Watchtower: Located at the highest point of the fort, the watchtower provides an impressive view of the city, the harbour, and the coastline. 6. Dungeon: The fort has a dark and dank dungeon that was used to imprison captured pirates. 7. Museums: Inside the walls of the fort, there are two museums that are dedicated to the history of the fort and the Cuban navy. This national monument of Cuba portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Castillo del Morro, also known as El Morro or Morro Castle, is a fortress located in the entrance to the harbor of Havana, Cuba, and has been a guardian of the city since 1589. Construction was initiated by King Philip II of Spain, and completed in 1630 by his successor Philip IV. The castle is renowned for its seven-level lookout that offers stunning 360-degree views of the city and harbor, and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Built in a style known as the “Spanish trace,” the fort has six levels, each surrounded by a thick wall and with a covered passage deep enough for a person to walk along to the top. The walls and battlements are punctuated with cannon slots and musketry, while the courtyard is filled with 18th century cannons. The main entrance from the harbor is guarded by a metal grate door, flanked by two oversized lion statues. Throughout its history, El Morro has served both a defensive and offensive role, providing protection to the city from pirate raids and naval enemy fleets. During the Cuban Revolution, it was used as a place of refuge for those fighting against the government. To this day, it continues to stand as a symbol of Cuban strength and resilience. You must visit one of these historical places in Cuba on your Cuba tour

Interesting facts:

1. The majestic El Morro castle of Havana is one of the oldest military structures in the Americas, built in 1589 by the Spanish to help protect the port of Havana from invasion. 2. The fort is located on a promontory on the entrance to the harbor, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. 3. The castillo is connected with the El Príncipe fortress of Havana, which is located across the bay. 4. There are six levels of the fortification, with eight bastions around its perimeter. 5. El Morro was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. 6. It has seen ad many famous visitors, including Christopher Columbus and Pauline Bonaparte, sister of Napoleon. 7. El Morro has a system of three moats, the largest running along the length of it and branching out to the two smaller ones, which surround it on the east and the west. 8. The Castillo del Morro served as a prison until the late 18th century, and during the Cuban War of Independence in 1909, it witnessed the Battle of Havana. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cuba with your friends and family.