Castillo San Felipe del Morro
El Morro, Puerto Rico - All Photos: George Collazo ©
Exploring the Majestic Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Welcome to the historic district of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, home to the magnificent fortress known as Castillo San Felipe del Morro or simply El Morro. This citadel, standing tall on the Atlantic shoreline, is a testament to the rich history and strategic importance of Puerto Rico.
A Glimpse into the Past
El Morro’s story begins in 1539, commissioned by Charles I of Spain. Initially a fortified tower, it was expanded into a hornwork fort by 1595 during the reign of Philip II. Over the next two centuries, under Charles III, El Morro evolved into its current form, completed in 1787.
The Fortress
Perched on a steep, rocky headland promontory, El Morro guards the entry to San Juan Bay, the harbor of Old San Juan. With walls 18 to 25 feet thick and rising 140 feet from the shoreline, it was designed to deter attackers from approaching from the sea. Alongside other forts like La Fortaleza and San Cristóbal, El Morro protected Puerto Rico, known as “La Llave de las Indias” (The Key to the Indies), from invasion during the Age of Sail.
A Journey through Time
The construction of El Morro spanned 250 years, from 1539 to 1790. It transformed from a promontory mounted with a cannon to a six-level fortress. 1898 following the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico and El Morro came under U.S. control. It was designated part of Fort Brooke and used as a military installation during the World Wars.
A World Heritage Site
In 1961, the U.S. Army retired El Morro, passing it on to the National Park Service to establish a museum. Recognizing its historical significance, UNESCO declared El Morro and the walled city of Old San Juan as World Heritage Sites in 1983.
Visiting El Morro
Today, El Morro is open to the public seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The entrance fee is $10 for adults, while children under 15 have free admission. Visiting El Morro offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore Puerto Rico’s rich history.
Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a traveler seeking unique experiences, El Morro is a must-visit destination. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey through time at Castillo San Felipe del Morro!
About The Author
