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Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña, or simply La Cabaña is
the biggest castle in the Americas. It is located in Havana, next to Morro Castle. Since 1982
La Cabaña fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
La Cabaña was established during 1763-1774 by King Carlos
III of Spain and served as a very powerful defensive structure against terrestrial
attacks. This colonial military enclave occupies an area of 10 hectares (25 acres) on
Havana’s harbor entrance. Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana is 750 meters long, and it could
have hosted 6000 men in the case of a battle. However, it wasn’t needed as the la Cabaña
fortress was never involved in any war. Its grandeur discouraged any attempts at
war.
La Cabana fortress is
an outstanding example of an eclectic architectural style and includes curves, flanks, and
lobes. Tall lush trees and bushes on the bay side, a deep dry moat around the crown-shaped
polygon, and pretty lawns adorn its exterior. The interior consists of barracks, bunkers, huge
brass cannons, and fortifications called .caponiers and ravelins The Cannon Shot Ceremony that
takes place here every night commemorates the memories of prehistoric Havana and colonial
military dominions.
Since
the 18th century a shot was fired every day from the fortress to signal the opening or the
closure of the Havana gates. That shot is fired even today, every morning at 9 AM and every
night at 20:30 PM.
Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana hosts one of the
biggest weapon collections in the Americas. Also visitors can see a permanent exhibition of Che
Guevara’s object here.
Entrance fee to the fortress costs $5. Children under 12 years have free
access.
Fortaleza de San Carlos de la
Cabaña Map
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