t Castillo San Felipe del Morro, viewed from the sea
g Puerto Rico g Contents
Encompassing Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, plus three-quarters of the remaining colonial-era city wall, this massive military complex is a potent symbol of the once mighty power of Spain.
t Castillo San Felipe del Morro, viewed from the sea
Experience Puerto Rico
t An entrance way at Fort Castillo San Felipe del Morro
With tunnels, watchtowers, armories, sentry posts, and museums sufficient to fill an entire day, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is best explored with a guide. The fortresses are separated by the windswept Campo del Morro headland and linked by the perimeter wall.
Commanding the clifftop at San Juan Viejo’s eastern entrance, Castillo San Cristóbal was initiated in 1634 and completed in 1783. It was designed by military engineers to prevent a land assault, with successive lines of defense and a moat. The barracks have eight rooms, with one furnished as it was 200 years ago.
Begun in 1539 to guard the harbor entrance, nearby Castillo San Felipe del Morro was completed in 1786. The lighthouse offers fine views of the castle and the El Canuelo fort. A museum displays an interesting collection of swords and military costumes.
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This marvelous pedestrian esplanade snakes along the edge of the harbor channel at the foot of La Muralla. It begins at the Puerta de San Juan – the only remaining gate of six in the soaring perimeter wall – and runs to the very tip of El Morro headland. It is punctuated by fascinating interpretive signs, and by garitas hovering overhead. There’s no access to Castillo del Morro, but cooled by balmy sea breezes, the walk is its own reward (especially at sunset).