The Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, universally known as El Morro, is a Renaissance-era sea fortress that Spain built from 1589 over roughly four decades to guard the narrow entrance to Havana harbor, to a design by the Italian engineer Battista Antonelli. It is famous for its dramatic clifftop setting, its 1762 capture by the British, and the Faro del Morro lighthouse added in the 1840s, and it was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Old Havana and its Fortification System' in 1982. Today it houses a maritime museum and is one of the best viewpoints over the Old Havana skyline and the sea. As of 2026, Cuba welcomes visitors despite ongoing power and supply shortages, so plan a cash-first trip.
Climbing the Faro del Morro lighthouse for panoramic views over the bay, the Malecon, and the Old Havana skyline
Antonelli's Renaissance military architecture: polygonal walls about 3 m thick, moats, and gun batteries
The theatrical clifftop position facing Old Havana and the narrow harbor channel across the water
The maritime museum inside, with underwater archaeology and colonial-era navigation exhibits
The wider Morro-Cabana historical park with neighboring La Cabana fortress and its nightly 9 pm cannon ceremony (El Canonazo de las 9, staged at La Cabana)
Sunset and night views from the promontory
Good to know
SafetyIn 2026 Cuba faces daily blackouts ranging from a few hours to many, plus shortages of basic goods. ATMs and foreign cards often fail, so bring your entire budget in cash (US dollars or euros) and add about 30% extra.
CautionAvoid street money-changers (fraud and counterfeit risk), and note that taxis have no meters, so fares are negotiated. Always agree the price before riding the tunnel taxi, and politely decline touts (jineteros) around the fort pushing cigars, restaurants, or guide services.
SeasonThere is almost no shade along the ramparts and the midday sun is intense; bring a hat, water, and sunscreen. During hurricane season (June to November), check ahead for afternoon downpours and storms.
SafetyStone surfaces are uneven, the lighthouse stairs are steep, and railings near the cliff and rampart edges are low or absent in places. Wear non-slip shoes and keep a close eye on children.
RulesFort admission and lighthouse access are charged separately, and a camera fee may apply. Opening hours differ on weekdays and weekends (roughly 9-17 weekdays, 8-16 weekends) and can change due to power or staffing; confirm current prices and hours before you go.
MannersTipping is customary in Cuba, and small tips (local pesos or small US dollar notes) are appreciated. Because active harbor and naval facilities share the site, respect restricted areas and on-site instructions.
Practical info
From Old Havana it is about a 10-15 minute taxi ride through the Havana Bay tunnel; you can also take the T3 Havana Bus Tour hop-on-hop-off bus to the Morro-Cabana stop, or the ferry (lanchita) to Casablanca and walk up. It opens roughly 9-17 on weekdays and 8-16 on weekends, with separate fort and lighthouse tickets, but because Cuba's currency and operations are in flux, always confirm the latest prices and hours before visiting.
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