The number one attraction in Puerto Rico is Old San Juan itself. This historic district bursts with life, showcasing vibrant colonial architecture, striking blue cobblestone streets, and an undeniably charming atmosphere. Its distinct character makes every stroll feel like stepping into a living postcard, where history and culture weave seamlessly into daily life. It is so popular because of its rich history that spans 500 years, is colorful colonial buildings and two of the most historic sites in the New World – the iconic Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristobal.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal rank among Old San Juan’s top attractions, each admired for distinct qualities. El Morro captivates visitors with its dramatic oceanfront position and centuries-old defense history, while San Cristóbal impresses with its sprawling size and intricate tunnels that showcase Spanish military engineering at its finest.
THE CASTILLOS
Castillo – direct definition Spanish to English is Castle. Not the Buckingham Palace type of castle, but a fortress to defend a city or town during wartime. That what the Castillos of San Juan are – Forts built by the Spanish to defend the city.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro), constructed in the 16th century, rose as a formidable fortress guarding San Juan from sea attacks. Spain relied on its towering walls as the first line of defense against pirates and rival European powers. Over the centuries, engineers expanded the structure into a six-level stronghold, where it endured clashes with the British, Dutch, and eventually the United States. Even during World War II, the U.S. military used El Morro as a lookout post.
Castillo San Cristóbal, rising in the 18th century, became the largest Spanish fortification in the Americas. Unlike El Morro, which protected the bay, San Cristóbal stood as a barrier against land invasions. Its defenses proved crucial in turning back assaults, including the British invasion of 1797. The fort’s winding tunnels and iconic sentry boxes, such as the legendary Garita del Diablo, carry stories of history and mystery.
These forts are more than just historical landmarks; they represent Puerto Rico’s strength and endurance through centuries of colonial rule and battles. Locals take pride in their preservation and often visit them to connect with their heritage.
Both forts are now part of the San Juan National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving Puerto Rico’s colonial past. If you ever visit, walking through their tunnels and ramparts is like stepping into history!
EL MORRO
El Morro, a UNESCO site and a true testament to the beautiful history of Puerto Rico, is the most recognized landmark in the Island and a must-see if you are short on time during your visit and trying to choose must-see attractions. From the fort, the views of the city and the ocean are stunning.
The vast green esplanade outside “El Morro” is a beloved spot for families to fly kites, picnic, and enjoy the ocean breeze. Kite-flying here has become a cherished tradition, blending history with everyday life.
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with an entrance fee of $7 per person (children under 15 enter free). Paid admission to El Morro gets you access to San Cristóbal as well; just save your receipt.
History Of El Morro
The construction of El Morro began in the 16th century to protect the San Juan harbor entrance by the Spanish conquistadores. El Morro was Spain’s primary defense in the Caribbean, guarding San Juan Bay, a crucial port for Spanish ships traveling between Europe and the Americas. Its six-level structure and 18-foot-thick walls made it one of the most formidable fortresses in the region, deterring attacks from rival European powers. The fort was tested in multiple battles, including English, Dutch, and British invasions, proving its effectiveness in protecting Spanish interests.
San Juan’s harbor, protected by El Morro, became a key hub for Spanish trade, ensuring safe passage for ships carrying gold, silver, and other valuable resources. The fort’s presence helped secure Spain’s economic dominance in the Caribbean for centuries, preventing piracy and unauthorized access to trade routes.
Origins and Early Construction (1539–1595)
– Commissioned by King Charles I of Spain in 1539, El Morro was initially a small, fortified tower designed to protect San Juan Bay. By 1595, under King Philip II, the fortress expanded into a horn work bastion fort, reinforcing Spain’s defenses against European rivals and pirates.
Major Expansions (17th–18th Century)
Over the next 200 years, El Morro underwent significant modifications, particularly under King Charles III in the 18th century. By 1787, the fortress had reached its current six-level structure, featuring 18-foot-thick walls, underground tunnels, and strategic artillery placements. The fort was designed to withstand naval bombardments, making it one of the most formidable coastal defenses in the Spanish Empire.
Key Battles and Conflicts
– 1595, Sir Francis Drake, the famous English privateer, attempted to seize San Juan but was repelled by Spanish forces.
– 1598 – George Clifford, Earl of Cumberland, successfully captured San Juan but was forced to retreat due to disease.
– 1625 – The Dutch launched an attack but failed to take El Morro, burning much of San Juan in frustration.
– 1797 – The British, led by Admiral Sir Henry Harvey, attempted an invasion but were repelled by Spanish and Puerto Rican forces.
CASTILLO SAN CRISTOBAL
Built in 1634 to protect San Juan from land attacks, San Cristóbal is the largest Spanish fort in the Americas, covering some 27 acres of land. At the beginning of your tour, you can watch a short film explaining the fort’s history and listen to an orientation offered by the staff every hour.
Inside, you will find the main plaza used for troop formations and practices, a chapel, troop quarters, tunnels used by soldiers, artillery, and more. The observation post located on the third level gives you a beautiful ocean and city view.
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with an entrance fee of $7 per person (children under 15 enter free). Paid admission to San Cristobal gets you access to El Morro as well; just save your receipt.
History of San Cristobal
Castillo San Cristóbal is one of the most impressive fortifications in the Americas, built by the Spanish to protect San Juan from land-based attacks. Here’s a deeper look into its history:
Origins and Early Construction (1634–1700s)
After English (1598) and Dutch (1625) attacks, Spain realized San Juan needed stronger defenses beyond El Morro, which primarily protected the bay. In 1634, construction began on San Cristóbal, designed to guard the city’s eastern entrance from land invasions. The fort was built on a hill overlooking the Atlantic, making it a strategic vantage point.
By 1783, under King Charles III, San Cristóbal had grown into the largest Spanish fortification in the New World. It featured three levels, deep dry moats, and tunnels designed for countermining—allowing defenders to plant explosives beneath enemy troops. The Garita del Diablo, a sentry box, became infamous for legends of soldiers mysteriously disappearing.
THE LEGENDS
San Juan’s forts are steeped in legend, adding an air of mystery to their historical significance.
1. Garita del Diablo (The Devil’s Sentry Box) – One of the most famous legends tied to Castillo San Cristóbal is about a sentry box known as Garita del Diablo. According to folklore, soldiers stationed there would mysteriously vanish without a trace. Some say they were taken by supernatural forces, while others believe they deserted under the cover of darkness.
2. El Morro’s Ghostly Watchmen – Castillo San Felipe del Morro is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of Spanish soldiers who once defended its walls. Visitors and park rangers have reported hearing footsteps, whispers, and even seeing shadowy figures patrolling the fortress at night.
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR & U.S. CONTROL (1898–21ST CENTURY)
The Spanish-American War took place in 1898 between Spain and the United States. U.S. support for Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spanish rule ignited the conflict, with the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor intensifying tensions. These events set the stage for a broader confrontation that reshaped international relations at the time.
The war lasted just a few months, with the U.S. emerging victorious. During the 1898 conflict, the United States bombarded El Morro, leading to Spain’s surrender of Puerto Rico. As a result, the United States gained control over former Spanish territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, through the Treaty of Paris in December 1898. This conflict marked the United States’ rise as a global power, and the end of Spain’s colonial empire.
During World War II, the U.S. military used both EL Morro and San Cristóbal as a bunkers and observation posts. .
Both were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, preserving their historical significance. Puerto Ricans view these forts as symbols of strength, representing their island’s endurance through centuries of foreign rule. These forts are living monuments, preserving Puerto Rico’s past while remaining deeply embedded in its present.
How To Visit Them
You can absolutely visit both Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal in one day, as they are part of the San Juan National Historic Site and located within Old San Juan. Both forts are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. With an entrance fee of $7 per person (children under 15 enter free), paid admission to one is good for admission to the other on the same day. Just save your receipt.
Best Way To See Them
1. Start Early – Arrive at El Morro when it opens at 9:00 AM to explore before the Caribbean sun gets intense.
2. Explore El Morro First – Walk through its six levels, tunnels, and historic lighthouse. Take in the ocean views and enjoy the esplanade.
3. Lunch in Old San Juan – Grab a meal at a local restaurant before heading to San Cristóbal.
4. Visit San Cristóbal in the Afternoon – Explore its tunnels, dry moats, and Garita del Diablo, and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
5. End with Sunset Views – If you have time, walk along the city walls for a stunning sunset over the Atlantic.
Some Nearby Restaurants to Check Out
1. El Jibarito- A local favorite serving authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Try the mofongo and lechón!
2. Mercado la Carreta – A cozy spot with fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
3. Ostra Cosa – Located in Plaza del Soportal, offering a mix of Caribbean and Spanish flavors.
4. Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar – A high-end dining experience with creative fusion dishes.
5. Cafe Cuatro Sombras – Perfect for coffee lovers, serving locally sourced Puerto Rican coffee.
Other Nearby Historic Sites
1. Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis – A stunning seaside cemetery with historic tombs located at El Morro. Sometimes it is closed so check with the Park Rangers.
2. Museo de Las Américas – A museum showcasing Puerto Rican and Latin American culture.
3. La Puerta de San Juan – The original entrance to the walled city, dating back to the 1600s.
4. Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan – One of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas.
Spending a day exploring this magnificent forts will give you a real sense of what living and working under the Spanish rule for 400 years in San Juan was like. It gives you a real appreciation of Puerto Rico and its history.
About the Author –
James Carey is an avid world traveler, blogger, writer and award-winning theater and film director based in Atlanta GA. He writes about travel worldwide, entertainment, and lifestyles. You can find out more about him at his personal websites listed below.
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