Castillo San Felipe del Morro, commonly known as El Morro, is a historic fortress located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Commissioned by King Charles I of Spain in 1539, its construction continued over nearly 250 years, with the fort reaching its current form in 1787. Strategically positioned on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, El Morro was designed to protect the entrance to San Juan Bay and the city of San Juan from naval threats.
Architecture & Features
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Design: El Morro is a six-level fortification with walls up to 25 feet thick, constructed primarily from local sandstone and brick. Its design includes star-shaped bastions, a moat, drawbridges, and a lighthouse.
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Lighthouse: The current lighthouse, built in 1908, stands 180 feet above sea level and serves as a prominent landmark.
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Garitas: The fort is adorned with iconic sentry boxes, known as garitas, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Historical Significance
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Defensive Role: El Morro played a crucial role in defending San Juan from various invasions, including attacks by Sir Francis Drake in 1595 and the Dutch in 1625.
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Spanish-American War: During the Spanish-American War in 1898, El Morro was subjected to a naval bombardment by U.S. forces, marking the end of its military use by Spain.
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UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1983, El Morro, along with other historic sites in Old San Juan, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitor Information
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Location: 501 Calle Norzagaray, Old San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
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Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
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Admission: General admission is $10 for visitors aged 16 and older; free for visitors 15 and younger. Tickets are valid for 24 hours and can be used for entry to Castillo San Cristóbal as well.
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Facilities: The site includes a visitor center, restrooms, and a gift shop.