San Felipe del Morro Castle (El Morro)

The most iconic historical location on the Island, the Castillo San Felipe del Morro also known as Fort San Felipe del Morro or Morro Castle, is a 16th-century citadel located in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The most iconic historical location on the Island, the Castillo San Felipe del Morro also known as Fort San Felipe del Morro or Morro Castle, is a 16th-century citadel located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1983, this fortress is a remnant of Old spanish era rule on the Island. Its walls extend all the way through the Old San Juan bay area where it was used as a defense of the many threats and invasions of the era, including the dutch, the english and many other battles. Castillo San Felipe del Morro, (El Morro) sits atop a high promontory overlooking the entrance to the San Juan Bay. It is the result of the efforts of Spanish engineers over a period of more than 250 years and is one of the largest fortifications built by the Spain in the Caribbean. Although its foundation was laid in 1539, the six-level fortification was not considered complete until 1787. During World War II, the U.S. government added an artillery fire control station. El Morro suffered several attacks from the English in 1595 and 1598 and the Dutch in 1625. In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, United States Navy ships fired upon the fortification, destroying the lighthouse, which was later restored. Visit casemates and the chapel. Gaze over 60 foot walls to the ocean and aim your camera on the cannons and that still guard the harbor today. Stroll on the lawn where soldiers once marched and watch kites flying in the afternoon trade winds.

How to Get There

Take PR-52 towards Old San Juan.

Location Map

Location features

Location has beachside properties or has access to a beachLocation has scenic / panoramic view

san juan morro history