Morro Castle Havana – Complete Travel Guide to Cuba’s Iconic Fortress

Hola! If you’re ready to step back in time and walk along fortress walls that once defended Havana from pirates, invaders, and colonial powers — then Morro Castle, officially known as Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, is the place for you.
 

Perched at the entrance of Havana Bay, this iconic fortress is one of the most recognizable symbols of Havana. Its lighthouse, thick stone walls, cannons, and dramatic sea views make it a powerful place to connect with Cuba’s colonial past — and its fierce determination to protect itself.

📌 Fast Facts

Full name: Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro

Built: 1589–1630

Location: Mouth of Havana Bay, across from Old Havana

Height of lighthouse: 25 meters (82 feet)

Main features: Fortress, lighthouse, museum, cannon ceremony

Managed by: Cuban Ministry of Culture

🕰️ A Fortress Built to Protect

The Birth of a Bastion

After several attacks by pirates in the 16th century, including a massive raid by French corsair Jacques de Sores in 1555, the Spanish crown realized that Havana needed stronger defenses.

Construction of Morro Castle began in 1589 under Italian engineer Giovanni Battista Antonelli, and it took over 40 years to complete. Its strategic position at the narrow channel entrance of Havana Bay allowed it to defend the city and its crucial port — a key stopover for Spanish treasure fleets traveling between the New World and Europe.

🧱 Architecture and Design

Morro Castle is a classic star-shaped bastion fortress, designed for maximum defense. Its thick walls, angled battlements, and placement of cannons allowed defenders to repel both naval attacks and land assaults.

Key Features:

Moats and drawbridges for added security

Gunpowder storage rooms and garrisons

Watchtowers and guard posts

The Lighthouse: Originally fueled by oil, now electric

The castle’s name — “Three Kings of the Hill” — refers to the biblical Magi and reflects the religious symbolism common in Spanish military architecture.

🗺️ Top Things to See at Morro Castle

Let’s take a tour around the fortress and explore the highlights!

1. 🔭 El Faro – The Morro Lighthouse

Standing tall since 1845, this lighthouse is the most striking feature of the castle. It was built atop the original fortress and still guides ships into Havana Bay to this day.

Height: 25 meters

Material: Local limestone

Lighting: Modern electric beacon

Best time to see it: Sunset or night, when it’s lit

Climb to the upper terraces near the lighthouse for panoramic views of the bay, Old Havana’s skyline, and the Malecón waterfront road.

2. 🏰 Inside the Fortress: Military Museum

Morro Castle now functions as a museum of colonial and military history. Inside, you'll find:

Displays of old Spanish cannons and swords

Pirate artifacts from the Caribbean’s golden age of piracy

Exhibits on the Anglo-Spanish war, including the British capture of Havana in 1762

Maps showing historical trade and military routes

🎟️ Entry Fee: Approx. $4–6 USD
🕒 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

3. 💥 Sunset Cannon Ceremony – El Cañonazo de las Nueve

Every evening at 9:00 PM, guards dressed in 18th-century colonial uniforms fire a cannon over the bay. This traditional "Cañonazo" dates back to colonial times, when the cannon would signal the closing of Havana’s city gates.

Today, it's a symbolic re-enactment and one of the most popular cultural experiences in Havana.

🗓️ Recommended to arrive by 8:30 PM for the best view!

4. 🎨 Artisanal Markets & Exhibits

You’ll often find small local art and souvenir stalls just outside the fortress walls or along the nearby esplanade. From handmade crafts to Cuban cigars, this is a great place to buy authentic items with a historical backdrop.

📸 Best Photo Spots

From the Malecon: Iconic view of the castle across the water, especially at sunset

Near the lighthouse: Dramatic ocean and city backgrounds

From the fortress walls: Capture the sweeping views of Old Havana

During the Cañonazo: Low light, high drama — perfect for atmospheric photos

🗺️ How to Get There

📍 Location: East side of Havana Bay

Coordinates: 23.1606° N, 82.3459° W

🚖 By Taxi

From Old Havana: 10–15 minutes, ~$5–10 USD

Classic car taxis are available throughout the city

🚶 On Foot (from Old Havana)

Option 1: Walk to the ferry terminal and take the Habana Regla ferry, then a short taxi ride

Option 2: Walk across the tunnel under the bay, though it’s not a scenic route

🚌 By Tour Bus

Included in many hop-on-hop-off Havana city tours

🍽️ Where to Eat Nearby

La Divina Pastora – A restaurant with fortress views and a wide Cuban menu

Dos Hermanos – Near the ferry terminal, famous for its mojitos and connection to Hemingway

Café del Castillo – Small café inside the fortress serving snacks and coffee

You can also pack snacks or eat in nearby Old Havana after your visit.

🛏️ Where to Stay

Near Morro Castle:

Hotel El Castillo – Boutique stay near the fortress with bay views

Casa Particulars in Regla – For a more local and budget-friendly option

In Old Havana (10–15 mins away):

Iberostar Parque Central – Luxury and location combined

Hostal Valencia – Colonial charm in the heart of the old city

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🧭 Travel Tips for Visiting Morro Castle

🕶️ Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy sunset views and stay for the cannon ceremony

📸 Bring a camera with zoom to capture both details and wide views

💧 Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen — there’s little shade inside

🎟️ Bring small cash for entry and souvenirs

🧥 Evenings near the water can get breezy, so bring a light jacket

🧠 Why Morro Castle Is a Must-Visit in Cuba

Icon of Havana: One of the city’s most recognizable landmarks

Historical Depth: Connects you with centuries of defense, colonialism, and resistance

Cultural Experience: The cannon ceremony and preserved architecture transport you through time

Stunning Views: Arguably the best vantage point in the city

Photographer’s Dream: Day or night, every corner is photogenic

🌅 Final Thoughts: Standing Guard Over Centuries

Morro Castle isn’t just a historic site — it’s a time capsule of colonial power, revolutionary pride, and national symbolism. From the clang of swords to the roar of cannons, from pirate attacks to political shifts, this fortress has seen it all.

Today, it welcomes travelers like you who come not to conquer, but to connect — with Cuba’s past, its beauty, and its enduring spirit.

So next time you’re in Havana, don’t just admire Morro Castle from afar. Walk its walls, hear its stories, and stay for the cannon blast. Let it remind you that Cuba’s spirit, like the lighthouse, still shines bright.