El Morro Fort or Castle of the Three Kings of Morro
At the northern end of Havana Bay, perched on a rocky promontory beaten by the winds, stands the majestic Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, known in French as the Castle of the Three Kings of Morro. This emblematic fortress, with its austere and fascinating silhouette, embodies one of the oldest defensive strongholds in Cuba. Tasked with protecting the capital from maritime attacks, this centuries-old monument today offers a breathtaking panorama of the Strait of Florida and the city, while immersing its visitors in more than four centuries of history.
A sentinel built against the corsairs
The construction of the castle began in 1589, at the initiative of the Spanish colonial authorities anxious to strengthen the defenses of Havana, then a privileged target of French, English and Dutch corsairs. The project is entrusted to Juan Bautista Antonelli, an Italian military engineer already known for his work in Santiago. By taking advantage of the steep cliff and the unobstructed view of the ocean, Antonelli creates a strategically almost invulnerable structure.
The name “Three Kings” refers to the three wise men, in a symbolic desire for divine protection of the city. The building has thick ramparts, triangular bastions, dry ditches and an imposing lighthouse, erected in the nineteenth century, which completes the iconic silhouette of the place.
Witnesses of assaults and reconquests
Throughout its history, Morro Castle has experienced several episodes of attack, the most striking being the British invasion of 1762. After two months of siege, the British forces take Havana by sea, thanks in particular to the collapse of part of the defenses of the Morro under artillery fire. But the following year, the city was returned to Spain by the Treaty of Paris, and the fortress was then reinforced.
The castle was no longer used militarily after the nineteenth century, but it briefly housed political prisoners. Its architecture, which has remained almost intact, is a living example of colonial military engineering of the Golden Century.
A heritage site between sea and memory
Today, the Castillo del Morro de La Habana is a must-visit place for anyone exploring the Cuban capital. From its ramparts, the view of the bay, the Malecon and the fortifications of the city is breathtaking. The lighthouse, still in operation, remains a landmark for ships, and its light visible for miles testifies to the historical importance of the place.
Inside, several exhibition halls tell the story of naval battles, piracy in the Caribbean and defense techniques of the time. There is also a small museum dedicated to navigation, as well as underground galleries accessible on foot, which give a glimpse of the harshness of military life in this isolated fortress.
Useful information to visit the Castle of the Three Kings
The site is easily accessible from the historic center of Havana, in particular via the bay tunnel that connects the two shores. You can get there by official taxi, tourist bus or rental car. It is also possible to include the visit of the Morro in a combined excursion with the Fortaleza de la Cabaña, located right next door.
The castle is open every day from 9 am to 20 pm, which allows visitors to enjoy the sunset over the Atlantic, a particularly magical moment on the heights of the Morro. Admission costs about 150 EUROS per adult (about 1.50 €), and the lighthouse can be visited on certain days for a small fee. It is advisable to plan a visit of about 1h30 to 2h to explore the different sections, from the bastion to the underground corridors.
For lovers of tradition, the ceremony of the “cannonazo”, symbolic cannon firing at 21h from the neighboring Cabaña, can perfectly complete the experience.
A strong symbol of colonial Havana
More than a simple monument, the Castle of the Three Kings of Morro is an emblem of the Havanese identity. It illustrates the fierce struggle of the settlers to preserve their territory, but also the raw beauty of the defensive architecture integrated into its natural environment. The quiet power of its walls, the striking view of the ocean and the historical depth of the place make it a must for any cultural visit to Havana.
