Morro Castle & La Cabaña

Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro / Fortaleza de San Carlos de La Cabaña

A 16th-century castle and lighthouse guarding the entrance to Havana Bay. Across the water, La Cabaña fortress fires a cannon every night at 9 p.m., a tradition that has continued for centuries.

The full name of Morro Castle is Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro. Built between 1589 and 1630 by Italian engineers, it stands on a rocky headland on the eastern side of the bay entrance. Across the water, the Castillo de la Punta once anchored a chain that closed the harbor, guarding against pirates and British and French fleets. In 1762, British forces besieged the castle for 44 days, captured it and occupied Havana for nearly a year. After the Spanish recaptured the city, they built the much larger Fortaleza de San Carlos de La Cabaña next door (1763–1774). It was one of the largest fortresses Spain built in the Americas, covering about 10 hectares.

Highlights:

① The 1845 lighthouse at Morro Castle, which you can climb for a fee. From the ramparts you can see the Malecón, Old Havana and the Capitol, making it the best spot for panoramic photos of the city.

② La Cabaña has a museum of weapons and fortifications, as well as the office where Che Guevara set up his headquarters after the revolutionary victory of 1959, now a museum.

③ The nightly cannon ceremony at 9 p.m. (El Cañonazo). Soldiers in 18th-century uniforms march in formation carrying torches, and a cannon is fired with a single boom. The tradition dates back to the colonial era, when it signaled that the city gates were closing, and it has continued for centuries. Arrive before 8 p.m. to secure a good spot. Tickets cost a few US dollars, and evening tickets are more expensive. The fortress has a cigar shop and restaurants.

Getting there: a taxi from Old Havana through the harbor tunnel takes about 10 minutes. You can also take a ferry from the Old Havana port to Casablanca on the other side and walk uphill for about 20 minutes, passing the 20-meter Christ of Havana statue. Taxis are scarce in the evening, so arrange your return ride in advance.

Morro Castle & La Cabaña

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