Forts
Tour with US, The Forts of the old city El Morro and San Crisobal castles. Experience the 500 years of history of the forts and changes it went through in the defense of the city. See the incredible architecture and awesome beauty that gives the landmark its character. See the battle wounded shore and where they used to live, eat and protect the city and their people.
Our guides are highly informed and know all the secrets of the Castles. 
You are looking at Castillo de San Felipe del Morro Declared a World Heritage elite by the United Nations in 1933. El Morro is Puerto Rico's best known fortress. Spanish troops fortified this 'morro', which means 'promontory'. To keep seaborne enemies out of San Juan this was the primary fortification for the city. Today this dramatic castle welcomes multitudes of arriving cruise ships and aircraft to the bussiest port in the Caribbean. Over two million visitors a year explore the awesome windswept ramparts and pageways, where the history of 400 years of Spain in Puerto Rico comes alive. Don't miss seeing the
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Let WTD show you the true inside scoop on the Forts of Puerto Rico and the beautiful city of Old San Juan.
 In 1634-38 a line of massive walls rose up to defend the low southern coast of Old San Juan which faces the harbor. On the north side of the city, a margin of rocky cliffs was deemed defense enough until the mid-18th century, when more walls and bastions were added facing the sea. Five gates pierced the massive walls of the completely fortified city.
 San Juan Gate, next to the governors' palace at La Fortaleza, was for a long time the main entrance to Old San Juan. Through this gate official ceremonies welcomed new governors and bishops as they landed to take their new positions.
Along the north city wall the gates of San José and Santa Rosa opened to the rugged Atlantic shoreline, and on the south side of the city, San Justo or España Gate faced the harbor. Only one passageway connected San Juan to the rest of Puerto Rico on the landward side: Santiago Gate, located just below Castillo de San Cristobal. It was razed by Spanish authorities in 1897 along with a segment of the city walls to let the overcrowded colonial capital to grow.
It wasn't long after Christopher Columbus claimed Puerto Rico for Spain that most of the gold had been removed from the island and the Spanish government realized that Puerto Rico was not economically important to them. Its greater importance stemmed from its strategic value.
Ships loaded with gold and treasures from Mexico and South America regularly passed through Puerto Rico on their way across the ocean, carrying the riches to Spain. Pirates looking for a piece of the action constantly raided the ships. Foreign governments also recognized Puerto Rico's strategic importance, and that it would be a prime location to intercept ships traveling from the Americas to Spain.
In 1539 the construction of the Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) was ordered to protect Spain's interests in the New World. The round tower that was the original fort can still be seen today in the lower levels of El Morro. Over the years more walls and gun batteries were added, and by the late 18th century the fort had taken the shape that we see today. Six levels rise 140 feet above the sea, encased in walls that are 18 feet thick (yes, feet).
In 1595 an attack was made on El Morro by the fleet of Sir Francis Drake, a hero of England's successful battle against the Spanish Armada in Europe. They were turned back by Spanish troops. Three years later an English fleet commanded by the Earl of Cumberland attacked Puerto Rico. Though they took the city of San Juan, they could not take El Morro, and the Spanish retreated behind its walls. Two months later the English, who had suffered many losses to dysentery, pulled out of Puerto Rico. In 1625 the Dutch laid siege to the city. Once again, the Spanish were able fight off the invaders, and prevent them from taking El Morro. In 1797 an English fleet led by Sir Ralph Abercrombie blockaded San Juan's port, but quit the area a few weeks later. The commander claimed he had not anticipated the strength of the well-protected garrison or its powerful weapons. During the Spanish-American War in 1898, U.S. ships fired upon the fort. At the end of that war, Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States as a condition of the Treaty of Paris. In 1939, with World War II raging in Europe, anti-aircraft defenses were put in place at El Morro – the last time the fort was used for military purposes.
And the history goes on and on, so become part of it today... |
