Castillo del Morro & Parque Historico Militar, Havana

The Castillo del Morro, officially called Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, stands at the entrance of the Bay of Havana. Today the fort is open to visitors and is called the Parque Historico Militar. Castillo del Morro was built in the late 16th Century and early 17th century to guard against pirate attacks, which were a constant threat at that time. It was designed by Italian engineer, Giovanni Battista Antonelli, and looks today much the same as it did in the 17th Century. One of the main changes to the fort is the lighthouse, which was rebuilt several times and then finally replaced with a new lighthouse in the middle of the 19th Century built of solid stone. The original lamp still shines in the lighthouse.

From Castillo del Morro there are great views out over the ocean and the city of Havana.

Picture - Meson de les tres Reyes del Morro, Havana.

Picture - Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro in Havana.

View a slideshow of Castillo del Morro & Parque Historico Militar Pictures

Related Attractions

Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana

The huge Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana sits on top of La Cabana hill. At the time of its construction in the 1770s it was the largest fort the Spanish had ever built, as well as the most costly. Following the occupation by the British, who used this location to secure the port for their side, the Spanish set about building Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana.

It is a most imposing sight, dominating the entrance to the Bay of Havana. La Cabana, as it is usually referred to, was used a military prison during the Batista regime and then as the headquarters for Che Guevara following the Revolution.

Today visitors can visit the fort, which contains a few museums. One of the most impressive of these is the Museo de Camandancia del Che, with the office of Che Guevara persevered as it was during his time here. There are also some of his personal items on display. In addition, there are also two other historical museums, the Museo Monografico, which describes the history of the fort, and the Museo de Armas y Fortificaciones with various military displays.