San Juan, Puerto Rico is a place that has always fascinated me with its rich history and culture. So when I had the opportunity to visit this beautiful island, I knew I had to explore as much of it as possible. One of the places that stood out to me was El Morro, a historic fort located in San Juan.
El Morro is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Puerto Rico and for good reason. The fort has been standing tall since the 16th century and has played an important role in the island’s history. It was built to protect the city from invaders and pirates, and it did so successfully for many years.
As I walked towards El Morro, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement building up inside me. The fort looked imposing and majestic, and I knew that exploring it would be an adventure in itself. As soon as I entered the fort, I was transported back in time to when San Juan was a bustling port city and El Morro was the heart of its defense system.
The first thing that struck me about El Morro was its size. The fort is massive, with walls that rise up to 140 feet high and stretch for over a mile along the coastline. I spent hours exploring every nook and cranny of the fort, marveling at the intricate architecture and the stunning views it offered of the sea and the city.
One of the most interesting things about El Morro is its many layers of defense. The fort has six levels in total, each with its own set of walls, gates, and barracks. As I climbed up to the top level, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale of the fort’s defenses. It was easy to see why El Morro was considered impregnable for so many years.
As I explored El Morro, I also learned about its rich history. The fort has played an important role in many significant events in Puerto Rico’s past, including the Spanish-American War and the Battle of San Juan Hill. It was fascinating to learn about these events and how they shaped the island’s history.
One of the highlights of my visit to El Morro was getting to see the lighthouse at the top of the fort. The lighthouse has been guiding ships safely into San Juan’s harbor for over 200 years, and it offers stunning views of the sea and the city. As I stood there, taking in the breathtaking scenery, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this unforgettable adventure at El Morro.
In conclusion, exploring El Morro was an adventure that I will never forget. The fort is a testament to San Juan’s rich history and culture, and it offers visitors a glimpse into what life was like in Puerto Rico during the 16th century. If you ever find yourself in San Juan, I highly recommend visiting El Morro
I still have a lot to show you, meet you tomorrow for the next part.
Mary