The Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro is one of the most imposing historical landmarks in Cuba. Though it was built in 1589, the structure has managed to retain its majestic appearance.
Location
The castle is situated at Parque Morro-Cabana in Cuba. It watches over the entrance to the Bay of Havana. It is on the cliffs opposite the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta.
What to See
The place evokes an eerie atmosphere as if the inhabitants had just left. This is due to its well preserved state. The cannon stores and the large billet rooms are well preserved. A popular feature is the high parade grounds with their rusted cannons.
Around the corners are the circular Moorish bartizans. There is a fine view of the bay here. From the lighthouse you can watch the sun go down.
Also worth checking out are the latrines and their chute. The drawbridge mechanism and the doors are also well maintained. At the end of one wall is a turret. It presents a view of the seas hurling against the rocks some 20 m below.
History
The Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro was constructed between 1589 and 1630 to complement the Castillo de San Salvador. The two were supposed to act as deterrents to any invasion. But it failed to stop the British from taking over Havana in 1762.
The fortress was designed by Juan Bautista Antonelli.
The castle was named after the Biblical magi. It was set on the promontory off the harbor. It fell in 1762 because the British were able to mine its bastions. In 1763, the British gave Cuba back to Spain in exchange for Florida. The La Cabana was built shortly afterwards as the weakness of the castle was exposed.
Cost
The charge is $3CUC. You have to pay $5CUC if you want to use a camera. For the lighthouse, the charge is $2CUC.
Other Info
There was once a watchtower in the complex but was destroyed by the British in 1762. The lighthouse was installed in 1846. The walls around the fortress are in better shape than the rusted cannons. There are barracks that reach a height of four stories. Tourists can also check out the underwater archeology exhibition.
The Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro is open daily from 8am to 8.30pm. It can be visited at any time of the year.
