They were built in times of war and conflict, towering reminders of the battles of the colonial period. The Caribbean has a rather impressive collection of extant fortresses, and they’re scattered across the far reaches of the region. Here are 12 great ones, from Puerto Rico to Panama.
Brimstone Hill — St Kitts and Nevis
The spectacular 17th-century Brimstone Hill is the pride of St Kitts and Nevis — and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Citadelle Laferriere — Haiti
Set high on a mountaintop above the town of Milot, this early 19th-century fortress is part of one of the Caribbean’s great historical parks.
Morro Castle — Cuba
Located at the seaside corner of Havana, it dates back to the late 16th century.
Fort San Felipe — Dominican Republic
This late 16th-century fortress is the centerpiece of the historic region of Puerto Plata.
Fortaleza Ozama— Dominican Republic
This 16th-century Spanish fortress is located at the edge of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.
Fort George — Grenada
Above: Fort George (Photo: Orlando Romain)
The pride of St George’s, some of this fort complex is still used today. This is the oldest structure in Grenada.
Castillo de San Cristobal — Puerto Rico
Dating to the 18th century, this fortress is one of three major forts in San Juan.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro — Puerto Rico
The second is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, which dates all the way back to the 16th century.
La Fortaleza — Puerto Rico
La Fortaleza (“the fortress), is particularly interesting in that it’s not only still used, but it’s actually used as the Governor’s mansion in Puerto Rico. (It’s the oldest still-operating executive residence in the Americas.)
Fort Saint Louis — Martinique
Part of this 17th-century fort is actually still used as a French naval base. But almost all of the fort can be visited on tours.
Fort San Lorenzo — Panama
Located on the Caribbean coast of Panama, Fort San Lorenzo dates to the late 17th century.
Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca — Cuba
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was constructed in the 17th century to protect the Cuban port city of Santiago.