Castillo del Morro: A Testament to Cuban History

To gain entrance to the castle, you’ll first have to pass through a dark tunnel with small perforated holes that function as skylights on your left-hand side. Kind of like a wormhole through the fabric of space into another time, the history of Cuba is alive and well preserved within the museum - with its grim brick-laden ceilings and quarry stone walls. Small passageways interconnect each castle’s naves with the height of an average person.

Each nave showcases unique historical and archaeological treasures that highlight Cuban history. Many artifacts include Taíno instruments used in the aboriginal communities, weaponry from the taking of Havana, aside from relics pertaining to the arrival and colonization of Spanish rule.

Also, the history of the city’s fortresses and earlier works of Italian architect Giovanni Battista Antonelli - commissioned to build El Morro - are another themed section of the museum.

The castle’s inner chapel, dedicated to the Three King Mages of the nativity story, is located near the first naves, where a church chaplain conducts holy mass, baptisms, and funerals.

One of the main attractions of Castillo del Morro are the spectacular views from around the fortress as you ascend a ramp to the structure’s superior level. At its northern point, you can bask in the beauty of an infinite ocean surrounded by cannons and garrettes that once defended Havana.

From northeast to southeast, we find the buildings that make up East Havana - part of the Fortaleza de la Cabaña and Villa Panamericana.  South of the castle, Old Havana or “el Casco Histórico” is a collage of modern and old-world edifications for the perfect cityscape shot.

And finally, towards the southeast, Havana’s promenade or ‘Malecon Habanero’ extends across the municipalities of Central Havana and Vedado, where distinct hotels line the coast.

The lighthouse of El Morro was later added in 1845 and, for its hundredth anniversary, was updated to electric power for the first time. Although the lighthouse isn’t as old as the fortress, it has always been integral to the city’s conscience, guiding ships to port. These days, you can visit and go right up to the lighthouse for 35 CUP and feel the ocean breeze from the Bay of Havana like a watchtower keeper 100 years back.

The Castillo del Morro’s entrance fee is 200 Cuban pesos, or around US $8 to US $9. The best way to get to El Morro is renting a car, or you can take a public bus or taxi across the Havana Tunnel that runs under the harbor - only leaving about a hundred meters to walk up.

Another great route is crossing from Old Havana to the county of Casablanca by ferry. Not too far off is the Cristo de la Habana statue. The castle’s doors are open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Written by Javier Montenegro.

Published October 2022.