By the year 1587, almost 95 year after Cristobal Colon first trip, the reign of Spain have been spreaded on the New World. Many other Countries try to be part of these conquest era. England, France, Dutch, use their resources to expand their domain.
On those days , the only protection to the San Juan Bay was a little fort, now call it La Fortaleza.
In order to prevent the marine invation of San Juan, the King of Spain, Charles V, order the constructions of walls surranding the city, and the construction of a fort that help to controlling the bay entrance.
- With the Continuous menace of Pirates, and the need to of looking for the defence from other countries attacks to the Spain land in the new world, on 1587 Spain start their project of designing to improve and reinforce their defence, They start the program of new fortification, in their Spanish West Indies territories; sites like Santo Domingo in the Domican Republic; Santa Maria & Cartagena, in Colombia; site of Nombre de Dios, Portobelo, the Chagres River, and Panama city, in anama. The Havana site in Cuba. The site of San Agustin in the Florida. And finally, The bay of San Juan, in Puerto Rico. All of them have in commonommon some architecture designing and section like "Las Garitas"
Its take more than 200 years to the El Morro, to look like is right now. During those years serve correctly to protect the bay from the attack of other Countries like England ( 1598 ), and Dutch
( 1625 ) . During the Spanish- American War, El Morro was under heavy attack with the Largest Bombardment of May 12, 1898. The war end by Spain ceding Puerto Rico, Cuba, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States.
Today so Morro is classified UNESCO World Heritage site. Its5 adminitrated By the National US Park Department.
You can enjoy the green field front side of El Morro. It’s a great family spot to fly a kite and have a late picnic. During the regular business hour, and for a small fee, you may entrance the Fort and see and with some imagination, try to vivid what would be living and fighting in the fort.
Walking to the main entrance, you will find stories board that tell some Historic events.
Today, due the Covid 19, the site is closed. So, only can show you this exterior photos:
A site to may be included on your Bucket List.
