PHOTO GALLERY: San Juan – Puerto Rico’s Gorgeous Forts
[ See photos of El Morro and San Cristobal Fort here ]
Historic San Cristobal and San Felipe del Morro Forts dominate the cliff-side shores of Old San Juan, creating a dramatic backdrop to the restored Spanish city and affording stunning panoramic views of sea, city and shoreline.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1983, the two fortresses are among San Juan’s most popular attractions among visitors to Puerto Rico. Guests can explore the large fortresses’ interiors, which contain a surprising variety of rooms, plazas and hallways set on several levels.
Sea-level walkways extend along the bases of the forts, providing dramatic exterior views of the sturdy fort walls. Fortress plazas provide ever-changing panoramic views of the vast Caribbean Sea, the long coast, deep San Juan Bay and many beautifully-restored historic buildings of Old San Juan.
San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) occupies the tip of the rugged peninsula, which is situated at the mouth of deep San Juan Bay. The oldest fort, El Morro was constructed by the Spanish in the 1500s to guard the city and bay from seaborne attacks.
El Morro’s location and construction proved such an effective defense that no aggressors were able to penetrate San Juan for over 300 years, despite repeated attacks from British and Dutch ships.
San Cristobal Fortress was constructed in the mid 1600s as a companion defense for El Morro, with San Cristobal focused primarily on protecting the city from inland attacks. Covering 27 acres, San Cristóbal is the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the New World.
Visitors to Puerto Rico really must check out El Morro and San Cristobal Forts to take in their impressive construction and beauty, to learn the history of San Juan and to admire astounding views of city and sea.
See photos of El Morro and San Cristobal Fort here
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