Morro Castle, Fortress at Havana harbor entrance, Cuba
Morro Castle is a military fortress at the entrance to Havana harbor, built on a rocky promontory jutting into the sea. The complex features several interconnected bastions, gun emplacements, barracks, and a lighthouse positioned at its northwestern end.
An Italian engineer designed the structure in the late 16th century, with construction spanning several decades to shield the city from sea attacks. The fortress served as a central defense point for centuries, protecting Havana against pirates and foreign naval forces.
The fortress takes its name from the rocky outcrop on which it stands and became a symbol of Havana's identity. Visitors can still see the cannons on the walls and thick stone ramparts that demonstrate how central this place was to protecting the city.
The site is open during daytime hours and easily accessible from the city, with walking paths around the fortress grounds. Comfortable footwear is recommended, as paths across and around the site can be uneven.
During earlier conflicts, a sea cable or iron chain ran between this fortress and another fortification across the bay to prevent ships from entering. This unusual defense system was one of the earliest examples of a harbor boom barrier.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
