Faro Castillo del Morro

Faro Castillo del Morro is a stone cylindrical tower rising 25 meters above El Morro fortress at Havana Harbor's entrance. The structure features a balcony, lantern room, and a grey dome at its summit.

Spanish colonial authorities built this maritime beacon in 1845 to replace the earlier lighthouse system from 1820 at the harbor entrance. The new light signals provided safer navigation for vessels entering Havana.

The lighthouse is woven into Havana's maritime identity and remains a familiar landmark for those working on the water. Its regular light signals create a rhythm that shapes daily harbor operations.

The lighthouse operates daily with an electrical rotating mechanism that projects light signals across the harbor. Visitor access depends on the operating hours of the adjoining fortress.

The tower uses sixteen lenses sourced from the French Industrial Exposition of 1844, which enhanced its signaling reach significantly. These French optics represent a rare instance of technology transfer during the colonial era.

Location: Havana

Inception: 1764

Height: 25 m

GPS coordinates: 23.15028,-82.35667

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:23