Castillo de la Fuerza

Castillo de la Fuerza

Castillo de la Fuerza is located on the western side of the port in Havana, the capital of Cuba. It is entirely built from stone and is the oldest stone-built fortress in the Americas. In 1982, the Historic Centre of Havana and its Fortifications were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, with Castillo de la Fuerza being one of its most significant components.

Castillo de la Fuerza is a square-shaped fortress surrounded by a moat and thick, high walls. Atop one of its towers stands a bronze statue of an indigenous girl named “Habana,” from which the city of Havana is said to have taken its name. Originally constructed to defend against pirate attacks, the fortress has historically served various purposes, including as the National Archives, the National Library, and a center for cultural heritage preservation and restoration. In 1977, on the 400th anniversary of its construction, the Cuban government converted it into a museum showcasing contemporary Cuban and international artworks. In 1990, it became the Museo Nacional de Cerámica Cubana (Cuban National Ceramics Museum), and in 2010, Cuba’s first maritime museum was established within the fortress. Moreover, the castle is a renowned tourist attraction, drawing large numbers of both domestic and international visitors each year who come to explore and reflect on the past within its historic walls.

Castle of the Royal Force (Castillo de la Real Fuerza)

Must-visit reason: The oldest castle in Cuba

Continent where the attraction is located: North America【North America】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Cuba[Cuba]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Havana City [Habana]

City where the attraction is located: Havana [Havana]