On the shore of the bay of Havana, and looking out over the years and history towards the sea, stands the small castle of San Salvador de la Punta, with its walled walls built of heavy stone blocks. This imposing building, guarded by ancient cannons that once protected the entrance to the city, forms part of the group of fortresses designed to defend the port of Havana.
Five centuries ago when Cuba was a Spanish colony, the port of the capital, Havana, was one of the busiest in the Caribbean. Serving as a staging post for ships coming from Europe to the lands of the New World, the bay became a strategic place, but also vulnerable to attacks by corsairs and pirates. For this reason, several fortifications were built in a relatively small area as a protective measure for the emerging city. This tells us that Havana was once a strategic place for the Spanish crown.
This small fortification of high stone walls has stood the test of time thanks to the durability of the materials with which it was built. It consists of three towers guarding each of its sides, one of them facing the sea and the other two facing land, with its monolithic iron cannons pointing everywhere, and around it a small moat that was originally supplied with water from the bay itself to prevent direct access by any intruder.
After a careful restoration, the Castle of San Salvador de la Punta has been converted into a museum. Inside, visitors can admire pieces recovered during restoration work and archaeological research.
In a large square on one side of the castle, there is an imposing bronze sculpture of the Venezuelan patriot Francisco de Miranda, General who always fought for independence. His strong gaze and firm stance, about to unsheathe his sword, represent his struggle for independence and liberty.
This is the only fortress that can be surrounded in a few minutes while enjoying its rustic beauty sitting on the seafront wall with the sea at our backs, or reversing the position, with the lighthouse in splendid view.
If we look beyond the Malecón Habanero, at the opposite end of the bay we find the emblematic Castillo del Morro, symbol of the city, with its magnificent lighthouse which, like a tireless watchman, guided the ships to the safe haven of the port.
Beyond the historical value of these fortifications to the city, the fortresses guarding the entrance to the bay offer visitors a unique gift to delight in, creating a perfect blend between the surrounding natural environment and the transforming hand of man. Its architecture reminds me of the medieval castles of days gone by, so The Castle of San Salvador de la Punta is undoubtedly a place that connects history and charm.
I hope you enjoyed this tour through the colonial part of my city.
Best regards, and see you next time!
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