San Lázaro Tower
San Lázaro Tower, tower in Havana, Cuba
San Lázaro Tower is a circular stone structure in Old Havana with a diameter of about 4.57 meters (15 feet) and stands approximately 9.14 meters (30 feet) tall. Its compact, cylindrical design allowed guards to observe the bay in all directions from a single position.
Engineer Marcos Lucio built the tower in 1665 to watch for approaching ships and alert the city to potential attacks. This structure was one of many military works that defended Havana during the colonial period.
The tower forms part of Old Havana's defense network, showing how Spanish colonists protected their city through a series of watchtowers. Visitors today can understand how these structures worked together to guard the coastline.
The tower sits by the water and is reached by walking paths along the coastal fortifications between the university area and other historic structures. The area is easy to explore on foot, but wear protection from the sun when spending time outside on the ramparts.
The tower stands near the site of the former Hospital de San Lázaro, a colonial-era medical facility that once cared for patients in the city. This proximity shows that Havana was not only a military center but also a place where medicine and healing were important.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Walking through downtown Havana, you find a city shaped by four hundred years of stories. The streets are lined with buildings that show the time when Spain ruled. Big walls from the 1500s keep the port safe, while churches with detailed baroque designs sit next to simple, straight-lined...
El Capitolio
1.7 km
Gran Teatro de La Habana
1.6 km
FOCSA Building
1 km
National Museum of Fine Arts of Cuba
1.7 km
Monument to the Victims of the USS Maine
863 m
Manzana de Gómez
1.7 km
Radiocentro CMQ Building
963 m
López Serrano Building
1.4 km
La Casa de Beneficencia y Maternidad de La Habana
313 m
José Martí Anti-Imperialist Platform
1.4 km
Edificio del Seguro Médico, Havana
784 m
Parque Central, Havana
1.6 km
Castle del Príncipe
1.7 km
Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón
1.2 km
Palacio de Aldama
1.7 km
Beth Shalom Temple
1.6 km
Napoleon Museum
936 m
Colegio Nacional de Arquitectos de Cuba
483 m
Hospital de San Lazaro, Havana
149 m
Real Fabrica de Tabacos Partagás
1.6 km
Teatro Tacón
1.6 km
Antonio Maceo monument, Havana
207 m
Batería de la de la Reina
265 m
Callejón de Hamel
316 m
Students' Monument
1.7 km
Statue of Jose Marti
1.6 km
Juan Clemente Zenea Monument
1.7 km
Prado y Colón Boulevard
1.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes