El Morro, Santiago de Cuba

El Morro, officially known as Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, is a fortress that stands as a sentinel over the entrance to the bay in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. This imposing structure is a testament to Spanish colonial military architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

Constructed in the 17th century under the guidance of the Italian engineer Juan Bautista Antonelli, the castle was designed to protect against pirate attacks and naval invasions. Its strategic location and robust design made it an essential part of the defensive system for the city of Santiago de Cuba, which was a key Spanish outpost in the Caribbean.

The fortress is renowned for its tiered battlements and bastions, which cascade down the rocky promontory to the sea. Its design reflects the adaptation of European military architecture to the local topography and the threats posed by seaborne invaders.

Visitors to El Morro can explore the well-preserved fortifications, which offer panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the rugged coastline. The castle also houses a museum that provides historical context about the fortress and its role in the protection of Santiago de Cuba. Exhibits include artifacts from the numerous battles that took place around the bay and information about the pirates and naval powers that once threatened the area.

El Morro is not just a daytime destination; the castle is also famous for its nightly ceremony, "El Cañonazo de las Nueve," where a cannon is fired at nine o'clock, continuing a tradition that dates back to colonial times when the shot signaled the closing of the city gates.