The historical military Morro-Cabaña complex is today the venue for debates of the 36th International Tourism Fair, FITCuba 2016, in session until this weekend.
The historical military Morro-Cabaña complex is today the venue for debates of the 36th International Tourism Fair, FITCuba 2016, in session until this weekend.
Participants, especially tour operators and travel agents, show their admiration for the good preservation of these colonial fortresses,giving a great touch to the major tourist fair of this island.
With more than 400 years of the foundation of Havana, on November 16, 1519, the Cuban capital today showcases its strengths brighter in the eyes of thousands of travelers from around the world. Its scenarios have history, they are well-preserved and therefore they are one of the major attractions of Havana. They were built to protect the city of San Cristobal from the attacks of corsairs and pirates.
The Castillo de Los Tres Reyes del Morro, stands on a high rock at the entrance of the bay. The works lasted 40 years, started in 1589 and were completed in 1630.
Meanwhile, the San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress, began to be built in 1763 by order of Carlos III. It covers an area of 700 meters long, with 450 meters of fine-line walls.
At present, it is a place to be visited; you can get there by car while passing the Havana Tunnel. There, you can find bars, cafes, restaurants.
El Morro, as it is simply known, is an irregular polygon, with thick walls. It rises 40 meters above sea level and has bastions and outgoing defensive facilities.
And as a most distinctive fact, El Morro confronted in 1762 the English naval squadron that seized on it. From there, it favored the Havana invasion that lasted 11 months (until July 6, 1763).
Travelers today appreciate over the fortress its 10-meter tower, the sea lighthouse. It was used as a watchtower and has suffered several changes: it was at first powered by wood, in 1819 by oil, in 1928 with acetylene and finally with electricity since 1945.
Source: PL