Castillo De Los Tres Santos Reyes Magnos Del Morro

Lonely Planet review

This imposing castle was built between 1589 and 1630 to protect Habana harbor from pirates such as Frenchman Jacques de Sores, who sacked the city in 1555. Perched on a rocky bluff above the Atlantic, the fort - with its irregular polygon shape, thick walls and deep protective moat - is a classic example of Renaissance military architecture. The famous lighthouse - which has made the castle one of Habana's signature sights - was added in 1844.

Built by African slaves who hacked the foundations straight out of the surrounding rock, El Morro served as Habana's leading line of defense until the completion of the neighboring Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña in 1774. For more than a century, the fort withstood numerous attacks by French, Dutch and English privateers.

But in 1762, after a bloody siege that lasted 44 days, a British force led by Admiral George Peacock consisting of 173 ships and 14,000 men captured El Morro by attacking from the landward side and digging a tunnel under the walls.

Renovated in the 1980s, the fort is now open to the public and is ever popular on the tour bus circuit. Aside from the fantastic views over sea and city, El Morro also hosts a maritime museum, covered by the entrance fee.