Morro Castle

El Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro, commonly called Morro Castle, is a Spanish colonial fortress guarding the entrance to Havana harbour in Cuba. Construction began in the late 16th century and the fort is one of Havana’s most recognisable colonial military works.

The fortress features broad stone ramparts and bastions that give panoramic views across Havana Bay and the city. A prominent lighthouse sits on the seaward face and the site includes interpretable defensive structures such as embrasures and curtain walls.

Built by the Spanish to protect Havana from pirate raids and foreign navies, the fort served as the principal harbour defence through the colonial period and saw action during conflicts for control of the city in the 18th century. It has since been preserved as a historic site and museum space.

The fort occupies a rocky headland at the mouth of Havana Bay on the eastern side of the harbour, opposite the large La Cabaña complex and adjacent to Old Havana along the seafront.

• Best viewpoints: Offers wide views across Havana Bay and the city skyline; the seafront promenade and ferries crossing the harbour provide popular vantage points.
• Access: Accessible on foot from Old Havana along the seafront and by short boat rides from the harbour; sections of the fort are open to visitors during daytime hours.

What to See #

• Ramparts and bastions: Sits on the rocky promontory at the entrance to Havana harbour and forms the main elevated platform for artillery emplacements and curtain walls; its bastions and glacis are the principal defensive structures.
• Lighthouse: A 19th-century lighthouse occupies part of the seaward ramparts and functions as a navigational aid visible from across the bay.
• Maritime museum: Houses a small maritime and military museum with exhibits on coastal defence and the harbour; displays are focused on the fort's role in Havana's colonial-era port defence.