El Castillo del Morro is a castle located in San Juan, Puerto Rico North of Habana Vieja, one of many cities. El Castillo del Morro is a castle often referred to as Castillo De San Felipe Del Morro. This can be translated as "Castle of St. Philip II of the Headland." As can be seen, it was named in honor of King Philip of Spain. El Castillo del Morro also means "promontory." Promontory is a huge amount of land that stands dominant looking over land or water. This tile fits this castle and fort for it stands dominant looking over the San Juan Bay. This is a castle that serves many purposes, especially in war, battle, and the army.
El Castillo del Morro is one of two key Spanish forts. Construction on this fort began in 1539 and ended in 1589. Its purpose was to safeguard and protect the San Juan Bay to prevent enemies or attackers from rebellious acts. This castle also includes many different rooms, areas, and passageways that house cannons to protect those in it from attack. Also, another fort is located near El Castillo del Morro on the opposite side of the bay. This fort is called "el Cañuelo."
El Castillo del Morro was also an important place in housing troops, as was done on the fifth level of the castle called the Main Plaza. This area was of multiple uses. First of all, this area housed men fighting in the battles. Their living area included entertainment, like magazines, an area for food, and, like in many other areas of the castle, an area for firing cannons. Also, this area provided troops with drinking water from underground. The Main Plaza is where random drill inspections were performed and where troops were given their daily tasks.
El Castillo del Morro had quite a history. During 1756 and and 1763, Spain was engaged in a war against Britain. This war was known as the Seven Years War. In entering Havana Harbour, the British encoutered this El Morro Fort. Since whoever managed the hill El Morro Fort (El Castillo del Morro) was built on had the authority to control all of Havana, the British took immense interest in having power over El Morro. They were also out to gain control of Cuba. In order to accomplish these tasks, the British decided to try and seize El Castillo del Morro, or El Morro fort, from behind. Much warfare was going on and many members of the British forces began to fall victim to certain diseases, like malaria. The thought of seceding from such battle occurred to them. This thought did not last long however, since extra soldiers were sent in to help. Havana and El Morro, luckily, were not immensely damaged. Although, most of the British soldiers had died during battle, Britain still gained control of Cuba. They freely decided, however, to take control of Florida in place of Cuba and to return Cuba to Spain.
Nowadays, the castle is more like a museum. This castle now houses a theater to learn about the castle and displays to learn even more. Such displays include tools and objects often used by the Indians, Spaniards, and Africans of that time. Over two million people visit a year, not only to learn about the castle, but also to enjoy the water and the scenery of the San Juan Bay.
El Castillo del Morro has also become a part of the "San Juan National Historic Site" located in Puerto Rico. This historical site includes four main buildings to view. These buildings include not only El Castillo del Morro, but it also encompasses Fort San Cristobal, El Canuelo, and what walls remain of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Such places became official historic sites on February 14, 1949. It became a "World Heritage Site" later on December 6, 1983. To view pictures relating to this historical site, visit the "National Historic Site" page.
Create a free website at Webs.com
