El Morro or Port San Juan Light, 16th century lighthouse at San Juan Bay entrance, Puerto Rico.
El Morro or Port San Juan Light is a brick tower rising 15.5 meters above the fortress walls that guard San Juan Bay. The structure sits on this fortified complex and has guided ships into the harbor since the middle of the 1800s.
The light was built in the middle of the 1800s to guide growing ship traffic into San Juan's harbor. Its story follows the control changes and conflicts that shaped the region's development.
The light stands within the fortress walls and reflects how the harbor shaped the city's life for centuries. Walking around it, you notice how the structure connects the fort's military role with its maritime purpose.
The site is part of a larger fortress complex you can walk through to see the light and surrounding structures. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as you will climb stairs and cross open areas to reach different viewpoints.
The light sends out a specific pattern of flashes at night that makes it different from other towers in the area. This system helps sailors identify the exact harbor entrance when multiple lights are visible.
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