There are two famous forts in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico: Fort San Cristóbal and Fort San Felipe del Morro. As you approach Old San Juan from the south, you will come first to San Cristóbal, and then walking to the northmost tip, El Morro:
Fort San Cristóbal
The first fort you encounter into the city, Fort San Cristobal is actually build second, after el Morro, to defend the city of old San Juan from invaders coming by land from the South. Finished in 1783 it wrapped around the bottom mouth of the city, but in 1897 a large portion was demolished to ease traffic flow into the town.
San Cristobal Fort, a National Monument
As you step inside, the Fort opens into a large courtyard:
Interior of the San Cristobal Fort. Under this level are 5 giant water cisterns.
Walk up a level, and you have a great view of the rest of San Juan to the South:
Looking over the battlements
To the north are fantastic views of La Perla and El Morro:
Not to mention the crashing ocean waves
Fort San Felipe del Morro
Construction on the fort started in the mid 15th century to control the harbor, and continued over the next four centuries. With walls six metres thick in places, a lighthouse on top, El Morro has lasted unharmed through many wars and conflicts.
Main entrance to El Morro
Inside is an artillery firing position, and many levels of fort:
See the tracks to the left?
There are many famous sentry boxes:
Also called guerritas
The US military replaced the lighthouse with this one in 1908:
The old one was damaged in the Spanish-American war
Some cannons are left for tourists to photograph:
The larger cannonballs lying in stacks are actually mortar rounds
After you see El Morro, you can take a walk around the front down a paved street called Paseo del Morro, which offers a great view from below of the fort and its garritas. You will pass by or through the old San Juan gate, as well:
Many families and children stroll el paseo del Morro
One of the many guerritas along paseo del Morro:
You should take a photograph from the top, of yourself inside the guard box
More Puerto Rico
Check out these other posts in the Puerto Rico travelblog series:
