Fortaleza Ozama
The oldest European military fortress in the Americas, begun in 1502 to guard the mouth of the Ozama River. Climb the Tower of Homage for views over the Old City.
The fortress overlooks the Ozama River estuary and served as a military installation for five centuries, until the mid-20th century. Its core structure, the Tower of Homage (Torre del Homenaje), stands about 18 meters tall, and visitors can climb to the top for views of the river mouth and the colonial district's rooftops. The courtyard holds cannons, a gunpowder magazine and a walkway along the walls, and the entrance features a statue of the historian Oviedo. Located at the southern end of Calle Las Damas, it costs a few dollars to enter, and a visit takes about 1 hour.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–17:00 (Sundays until 16:00; confirm on site)
Nearby sights
- Calle Las Damas
- Catedral Primada de América
- National Pantheon
- Parque Colón
- Museo de las Casas Reales
- Ciudad Colonial
- Ruins of the Hospital San Nicolás de Bari
- Convento de los Dominicos