About Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca del Morro

Nestled in the Sierra Maestra, the Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca is an impregnable fortress designed in 1587. The design was the brainchild of Juan Bautista Antonelli, an Italian military engineer. It was built to defend Santiago from invading pirates. Construction finally started in 1633 and took 60 years to complete. By the time it was finished the time of pirates was nearing its end, so there was little use for the stone walls and bastions. It was only used briefly for its true purpose during the 1898 Spanish-Cuban-American War.

The Castillo de San Pedro became a prison in the 1800s until it was restored in the late 1960s.  It is now home to the Museo de Piratería. At sunset every day visitors can witness the firing of the canon. Staff dress up as pirates in Mambises costume for a “cañonazo ceremony.” 

Also known as the Castillo del Morro or San Pedro de la Roca Castle, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. 
 

Must See

  • Enjoy the stunning view of the bay of Santiago and the Caribbean Sea atop the castle. 
  • The Spanish-American military architecture of the fortress is an impressive sight. 
  • The fortress has multiple levels with a command building, guard post, a fortified gun platform, and powder magazine
  • Don't miss the cannons that still stand against the balustrade facing the sea, as if still guarding the city against the pirates. 

How to reach

Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca del Morro is located about 10 km from the city center.  You can take bus 212 to the location from the city center. You can also hire a taxi from Parque Céspedes which will cost no more than CUC$ 25 for a round trip with the wait. 

Tips

  • The fortress is also a sunset point. You can watch the setting sun from the top of the fortress, take pictures and enjoy the magnificent view. 
  • It also hosts a firing of the canon ritual known as the cañonazo ceremony at sunset. Actors are dressed up as Mambises to amuse the audience. 
  • Choose a guide who can explain in details the history of the fortress in your language. You may not understand the full significance of this place without knowing its background. 
  • If you know Spanish, you have an added advantage at this place as most of the information in the exhibition room is in Spanish. 
  • You should spend at least an hour at this place to realise its splendour. 
  • Try out some of the bars/restaurants at this place which has stunning views. 
  • You will also come across a Lighthouse along the walk which is popular with photographers. 

Visit Time

Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

no

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

Adults: 4 Cuban Pesos (US$ 4)

Children under 12 years: Free

Camera: 1 Cuban Pesos (US$ 1)

Camcorder: 5 Cuban Pesos (US$ 5)

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Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 to 2 hours

 

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Weather

Few Clouds 30.14°C

 

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