Cuba’s Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro (Castle of the Three Kings of Morro), often called El Morro, is one of Havana’s defining landmarks. Standing on a rocky headland at the entrance of Havana Bay, it combines history, architecture, and sweeping ocean views.
The fortress’s lighthouse, added in 1845, remains operational and continues to guide vessels into the harbor. Climbing to the top rewards visitors with expansive views and a calm sea breeze. From here, the Malecón promenade stretches along the coastline, offering a glimpse of Havana’s mix of colonial heritage and coastal life.
Visitors arriving on a Cuba yacht charter often stop here to admire the city from one of its most scenic vantage points.
Constructed in the late 16th century, El Morro was a vital element of Havana’s defense network. Designed by Italian engineer Giovanni Battista Antonelli, it served as a key fortification during the Spanish colonial era, safeguarding the city from pirate attacks and foreign invasions. Its position overlooking the harbor made it one of the most strategic structures in the Caribbean.
Inside, visitors can explore exhibits displaying maps, weapons, and maritime artifacts that reveal the story of Havana’s evolution as a global trading port. For visitors combining cultural discovery with a Caribbean yacht charter, El Morro provides a memorable link between the island’s seafaring past and its present-day maritime appeal.
El Morro’s thick stone walls and bastions were built to withstand siege warfare, yet the structure’s balance and symmetry reflect a refined architectural approach. A small chapel inside, dedicated to the Three Wise Men, adds an intimate layer to the otherwise formidable fortress.
The nightly “Cañonazo de las Nueve” ceremony remains one of Havana’s most beloved traditions. Each evening, actors in period attire fire a cannon across the bay, marking the old harbor’s closing time. The sound echoes across the water, connecting the modern city to its centuries-old customs.
Reaching El Morro is simple and rewarding. Visitors can drive through the tunnel beneath Havana Bay or take a ferry from Old Havana to Casablanca before walking up to the site. Entry is affordable, and both guided and self-guided tours are available. The views from the lighthouse, bastions, and walkways make the journey worthwhile for anyone interested in Cuba’s coastal heritage or maritime architecture.
The Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro stands as a symbol of Havana’s enduring connection to the sea and the wider Caribbean. Those exploring the region by Antilles yacht charter often include Havana Bay on their route for its cultural depth and visual beauty.
Whether part of a longer yacht charter journey through the Caribbean or a short stop while in Havana, El Morro offers a perfect balance of history and scenery.
To arrange a visit and explore the best of Havana’s coastal landmarks, speak with a yacht charter broker for tailored recommendations and itinerary planning.
