If you are visiting Puerto Rico for the first time, you can not leave without visiting El Morro. The fortress once served as the guardian of the New world when the Spanish got control of the Island. It was heavily attacked by many nations, mostly the Dutch and the British because of the wealthiness of the Island. It was armed with cannons and guards posted on the “garitas” to alert the troop in case of an invasion.
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| El Fuerte San Felipe del Morro. |
The story tells that there was a garita named the “garita del diablo” that was so close to the sea that every time a soldier guarded the fortress from there disappears mysteriously without leaving any clue. the legend tells that the night the soldier Sanchez was guarding the "garita del diablo" in san Cristobal nothing was heard of him. Later in the morning his fellow soldiers came to see why he was so quiet and found only his uniform and riffle, without a trace of Sanchez. What might actually had happened was that Sanchez, white spanish soldier, was in love with Diana, a mulatto girl. Since their parents and commander did not approve their love, Diana went late at night to the sentry box to meet with him and leave to be together. Since then, nobody heard of Sanchez nor Diana.
There is a guided tour inside the fortress of El Castillo San Felipe del Morro and El Castillo San Cristobal, throughout the battle zone and the jails. The fortress of El Morro was built looking through the opening of San Juan and in the other end the Castillo San Cristobal to protect the city.
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| Fort San Cristobal, seen by far. |
On the other hand, in Front of the Morro Fortress there is a place where you can fly kites, and a booth that sells them. There is also a fountain in a mini plaza that you can bathe in and a sculpture called El Totem. That plaza also serves as an underground parking.
In a normal day the plaza is a peaceful place where you can walk and enjoy the view; but if you like intense partying, there is a festival called Las Calles De San Sebastián where Old San Juan gets full with people for 3 days almost non stop. Every street is full, with music and drinks.... barely walkable.
There are also many artisans on the streets that expose their work to sell it. In every plaza there is a stage with performers, bars and interesting people. The party is in january (finals), so come and join us in the adventure.
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| Cemetery located in the Morro. It is filled with statues in every tomb. |
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| Fountain located in the plaza in front of the Morro. Can bathe in it. |
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| El Totem. Sculpture in the plaza. Haves an underground parking |
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