San Salvador de la Punta Fortress

San Salvador de la Punta is a military fortress at the entrance of Havana Bay built with thick stone walls, defensive bastions, and a star-shaped layout. The structure sits on a narrow point of land and controls the waterway entrance with its artillery positions.

Construction began in 1590 under the direction of Italian engineer Giovanni Battista Antonelli to protect Havana from sea attacks. The project was part of a broader defense strategy for the growing port city.

The fortress displays Spanish colonial military architecture through its construction techniques and materials developed by military engineers of the 16th century. Details throughout reveal how builders of that era designed defensive structures.

The location is accessible on foot and you can explore most areas independently or join organized tours. Wear comfortable shoes since surfaces are uneven and there are many stairs throughout.

A heavy copper chain connected this fortress to El Morro across the bay in 1630, forming a physical barrier against incoming ships. This system functioned as a simple but effective defensive weapon during the colonial period.