Fortifications of Colonial Havana

Fortifications of Colonial Havana

This 3-hour tour will take you to some of the oldest fortresses in Havana’s oldest neighborhood — Havana Vieja, or “Old Havana.” For many centuries the Spanish struggled to protect their city from pirate attacks, and built fortresses along the canal to prevent unwanted visitors from getting too close to the shore.

Featured in:Museum
Duration:
3 hrs
Available Days:
Every day
Schedule:
9:30 AM, 2:00 PM
Hotel Transport Included
Mobile Ticket Included
Offered in English, Spanish

Built in the mid-16th century, Castillo de la Real Fuerza is the oldest fortress that you will see on the tour, and one of the oldest fortresses anywhere in the Americas. It is located on the west side of the canal.

Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro guards the entrance to the canal. This fortress was built between 1589 and 1630. Here you’ll learn about a pivotal confrontation between the Spanish and the British in 1762, when the British laid siege to the fortress and eventually captured it.

La Fortaleza of San Carlos de la Cabaña is on the east side of the canal. It was built in 1763, in response to the attack on Castillo de los Tres Reyes el Morro, to prevent a similar loss in the future. This is the largest colonial fortress in the Americas, and it covers 25 acres (10 ha).

Besides fortresses, you will also see the remains of Havana’s old city wall that were built to protect the city in the 17th century. The last remaining pieces of the wall border the Havana canal.

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes and money for personal expenses.

What's included

Guided tours.

Transportation

Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “BOOKING REQUEST” for full details.

Traveler Comments

Kadel was our first guide and he is amazing!! He got most of our questions and we enjoyed his sharing his wealth of knowledge with us! He truely made our first day and first impression of Cuba amazing! A great young man!!

- DAN H, APR 2019

This is a must do !!!! Our guide was very knowledgeable, and it is importantt o hear the Cuban perspective of the war/s

- DAVID B, MAR 2018
This 3-hour tour will take you to some of the oldest fortresses in Havana’s oldest neighborhood — Havana Vieja, or “Old Havana.Fortifications of Colonial Havana9
Similar things to do
Visit to the Museum of Rum, Cuba
Visit to the Museum of RumHavana

Visit Museo del Ron with a professional guide. This tour culminates with a tasting of Havana Club, which is one of Cuba’s most well known rums, and it is ideal for making classic Cuban cocktails like mojitos and daiquiris.

Museum
Guided Tours
Walking
Guama and Playa Giron Day Trip, Cuba
Guama and Playa Giron Day TripMatanzas

On this tour you’ll get to see the marshy ecosystem of La Ciénaga de Zapata National Park, which protects the largest wetland in the Caribbean. This tour comes with a professional guide and transportation in an air-conditioned car.

87 km away
Best
Museum
Beach Trip
On the trail of Hemingway in Cuba, Cuba
On the trail of Hemingway in CubaHavana

Ernest Hemingway lived in Cuba during the 1950s, and this country’s scenery and culture served as his muse. On this tour you’ll get to see Hemingway's home, areas that inspired his writing, and a few of his favorite bars.

Museum
Guided Tours
Historic

More things to do