Castillo del Morro, Santiago de Cuba

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The Castillo de Morro was stragically located on the harbour of Santiago to defend the city against pirates and other invaders.
"This is an old garrison that still appears to be guarding the entrance to the bay, even though the English pirates have long since sailed off into history. To reach the fort it is necessary to go to the outskirts of town and it is well worth the trip just to see this castle built in 1643. The fort offers a vantage point from which to see the whole port and Sierra Maestra Mountains. In addition to guarding the bay, it was also a prison and tomb for Cuban patriots in the 19th century. The complex also includes the Museo de la Piratería (The Pirate Museum)."
Source: http://www.wcities.com/en/record/,182380/320/record.html
Open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri; 8am-4pm Sat-Sun

El Castillo del Morro, built in 1633, Santiago de Cuba, is set high on a 60 metre promentary with an awesome view of the harbour! It was Italian designed in 1587 but eventually Spanish built Best preserved military complex added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Open from 9 to 9 with $4 admission fee. It has four levels and the lowest level is guarded to keep single tourists out for 'safety' reasons but I got past him and got this shot!!! Nice isn't it? There are organized tours but you can get a taxi driver to take you to both here and El Cobre from Parque Cespedes for $25 USD. He will wait for you at each site and drop you off where you want. Very convenient!

The view from El Castillo de San Pedro del Morro looking west along the coastline. Absolutely awesome! The Spanish soldiers had an awesome view of the harbour.
In this dierection you can find many quiet public access beaches west of the city. You can swim or snorkel and explore the abundant marine life.

We rented this most wonderful 1959 Chevy and driver and drove out to the Castillo del Morro to watch the sunset.
The sunset across the sea with the wonderful mountains on the right was a fabulous sight but in addition to that was a pleasant bonus. I guess it must be every single day like the ceremony in La Habana but a small brigade of Cubans dressed in the 19th century garb of those who fought for independence against the Spanish fire a cannon into the sea at around 6:30pm - of course finishing up by saluting Cuba Libre.

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Nice castle. I took bici taxi and paid 20 cuc fro this and the cemetery. But I guess you may pay less...

Near "Castillio del Moro" - the first "One man cigar factory" i met - a pure tourist trap - but nice to see !!

The fortress called Morro, placed at the entrance of the bay at 60 meters above the Caribbean Sea. There is also a piratery museum inside.