The quarter mile gravel path that leads to El Morro or
‘promontory’ is easily accessible from Norzagaray Street. Named
in honor of King Phillip II of Spain, the fortress was built in
San Juan’s northernmost rocky headland to prevent attacks from
the Atlantic. It was designated a National Historic Site and
part of a World Heritage Site in 1983 by the United Nations, one
of only 12 sites in the United States to be recognized as such.
Construction began on El Morro around 1540, making it the second
oldest of San Juan’s defense system. The initial plan consisted
of a two-level structure with an arched tower, a battery
platform and four embrasures for cannons in close proximity to
the sea. It did not acquire its present appearance until more
than two centuries later, when its four upper levels were
completed. El Morro’s majestic walls rise up to 140 feet above
sea level and are up to 25 feet thick. They gave the fortress an
extraordinary degree of protection and made it possible to
safely house the city’s resident