Morro Castle, Havana (must see)

Morro Castle, known as the Castle of Three Wise Men of Morro (Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro), stands as a striking fortress protecting the entrance to Havana Bay. It was designed by Juan Bautista Antonelli, an Italian engineer, and constructed in 1589 during the period when Cuba was under Spanish rule. The castle, named after the biblical Magi, fell under British control in 1762.

The name "morro" in Spanish refers to a prominent rock visible from the sea, serving as a navigational marker. Situated on a promontory across Havana's Old Harbor, Morro Castle commands attention for miles around, serving as a guardian of the port entrance. Initially erected in response to raids on Havana's harbor, it safeguarded the mouth of the harbor, with a chain extending across the water to the fort at La Punta.

The castle serves as a prime illustration of Renaissance-era military architecture, notable for its sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing design that integrates seamlessly with the natural landscape via terraced levels that blend into the rocky base. For over a hundred years, Morro Castle withstood numerous assaults by pirates and forces from the Netherlands, France, and Britain. In 1762, British troops, numbering around fourteen thousand, captured the fortification after a prolonged 44-day siege.

While the cannons around the fort have succumbed to rust, the walls remain intact. A small turret at the end of the wall provides panoramic views of the sea crashing against rocks 20 meters below, as well as the expansive dry moat. On the opposite side of the moat, more modern guns and cannons are stationed at La Bateria de Velasco, offering a sweeping vista down to Cojimar.

Today, the castle is a prominent viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the ocean and Havana. It houses a Maritime Museum and features a lighthouse, built in 1844, which is crucial for maritime navigation into the harbor. Visitors have the option to ascend the lighthouse for a small fee, gaining access to spectacular views of both the sea and the city.

Why You Should Visit:
Not really much to see on the inside but the lighthouse is highly picturesque and the view of the ocean from the top is gorgeous! You can also get some great shopping done here.

Tip:
Go there in the evening – when the sun almost sets, the view over Havana is amazing!
At precisely 9pm each day a cannon ceremony is held. Get a good spot early – otherwise, you won't see a lot of it clearly. And be warned, the firing is LOUD, so maybe bring some earplugs.