Fortress of San Fernando de Omoa

(Local Name: Fortaleza de San Fernando de Omoa) Originally built to protect the coast and shipments of silver bound for Spain from the continuous attacks of pirates the fortress was taken over by the local government after independence in 1821, used as a jail and then abandoned. Today, the fortress is considered a National Monument and run by The Honduran Institute of Archaeology and History. It and its green gardens are open to the public.