Fort San Felipe Del Morro

In 1540, 250 years of construction was begun on what would become one of the greatest foritfied forts in the Caribbean, El Morro; a fort so formidable that few would ever penetrate its defenses. With 140 foot walls, 10 feet thick in some places, towering over open ocean, the fort's mere position made it a challenge. Add the gun power and layers of innerwalls and defenses and one could easily see why the fort was never taken by an enemy with the exception of a five month period when disease weakened the Spanish defenders.

In 1595, Sir Francis Drake made an successful attack on El Morro and in 1598, Sir George Clifford made the first successful attack. Success only came because of a dysentary outbreak within the castle and the occupiers were forced to leave the fort due to disease. In 1625, San Juan was attacked unsuccessfully once again by the Dutch captain Boudewijn Hendrikcz. After these attacks, in 1634, construction was begun on city walls and an additional castle to fortify the land entrances to the city.

Today, tourists can explore the six levels of the fort, feeling the rusty old cannons, peering out the lookouts to San Juan Bay far below, visiting the barracks and cooking areas and much more. For more information on San Felipe Del Morro, visit www.nps.gov/saju/saw