Looking for a historical activity in Puerto Rico? See what’s to love about visiting the stunning Castillo San Felipe del Morro – a sixteenth-century fort located in Old San Juan. Learn about ticket prices and what to check out during your trip to Puerto Rico…
Get tips for traveling to San Juan, Puerto Rico in this new series of NEW Sip Bite Go travel blogger guides. Thanks to Puerto Rico for providing some of the activities in this guide for review. All options are my own.
What’s to love about this castle tour in San Juan
- Castillo San Felipe del Morro was used by the United States during both World Wars.
- It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Inexpensive to visit.
- Self-guided and guided tours available from park rangers in both English and Spanish.
Building El Morro Castle
It took 250 years to construct El Morro (1539-1790).
The initial defense site of San Juan – La Fortaleza (The Fortress) – began construction in 1533. Today that location is the governor’s mansion in Old San Juan.
By the end of construction of El Morro, the site became a huge six-level fortress.
Field Marshals including Juan de Tejeda and Italian engineer-architect Juan Bautista Antonelli were amongst the developers to construct it.
See the full-length video of this visit…
We really loved it here!
Where is it?
You’ll find it near La Perla, a colorful neighborhood in the walled city area of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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Why visit San Felipe Del Morro Castle
There’s a lot to take in at San Felipe Del Morro Castle – there are beautiful views of the bay to be enjoyed out the windows…
There are different rooms to browse…
Walls to admire at the Castle San Felipe Del Morro…
Moats to check out….
And outfront you’ll find fields of open grounds where people are walking, relaxing, and flying kites.
It’s a pretty good activity for kids and families in San Juan.
I won’t spoil it for ALL you – but this castle in San Juan does have an intriguing past.
Scroll down below for the history of San Felipe Del Morro Castillo…
What to expect from this historical San Juan castle
Learn more about Caribbean history at this fort through self-guided or guided tours.
There are signs and interactive exhibits throughout.
Price of tickets
The National Park Service has done a beautiful job making this an interesting and affordable place to visit in San Juan…
For the price of admission (at about $10 an adult), tourists can also visit a neighboring castle / fort right down the street within a certain period of time.
Check your tickets for details.
Important San Juan El Morro Castle history in brief…
Castillo San Felipe del Morro is a stunning sixteenth-century fort within walking distance of some of the best restaurants in San Juan.
The location of this Puerto Rican National Historic Site served a purpose when enemy ships would try to enter the bay.
Early protection for San Juan residents
One particularly notable protection of Puerto Rico at the El Morro Fort was from Sir Francis Drake’s attack in 1595.
Battle of San Juan (1598)
The Battle of San Juan was an important time in history for the fort.
An English military force of 20 ships and 1,700 men overtook the Spanish fortress Castillo San Felipe del Morro (under Sir George Clifford, Earl of Cumberland) for 65 days.
The end of this battle came to a close due to the English catching disease. However they didn’t leave San Juan quietly…
While this attack was the only one to actually take over the castle, the English burned down San Juan before leaving.
Spanish–American War (1898)
The last active fight at this San Juan historical landmark was by the United States Navy during the 1898 Spanish–American War.
The signing of the Treaty of Paris ended this war… which was significant because Spain ceded ownership of Puerto Rico and other islands to the United States.
World War II
This site has a lot of San Juan History, and was particularly significant in World War II…
When the United States Army added a large concrete bunker on top of El Morro to defend the island and watch for German submarines trying to sabotage shipping in the Caribbean.
Along with a nearby fort, the island was protected from invaders.
El Morro Fort Chapel
There are many rooms to explore within the fort.
One that I found particularly interesting is the chapel…
You can also browse exhibits and a bookstore on-site.
Best Puerto Rico travel guides on Sip Bite Go…
- See an honest review of the Bacardi tour in Puerto Rico.
- Browse what to do in San Juan.
- See what to do in Puerto Rico with family for a kid-friendly trip.
- Check out the Caribe Hilton resort in San Juan.
- See the famous Santurce art walk tour.
- Eat yummy food at Deaverdura.
- Grab a craft beer and pub food at La Taberna Lúpulo.
- Visit beautiful Luquillo Beach.
- Visit San Felipe Del Morro Castle.
- See a *rainforest* tour to El Yunque Puerto Rico.
- Check out this guide to La Placita de Santurce.
- Have kids? Visit TORO VERDE Urban Park.
- Grab a bite in Old San Juan at Triana Tapas & Flamenco.
- Visit the bar at Hotel el Convento.
- Try a steak at Princesa Gastrobar.
- Learn how many airports are in Puerto Rico.
- History buffs – explore Plaza del Quinto Centenario.
- Have family fun at our favorite Old San Juan playground.
- Try the popular mofungo dish at local restaurant – Rincon Ibérico.
- See my review of The Spoon Experience San Juan Excursion.
- See the best restaurants in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Love to travel, too?
I love putting together these guides for my fellow travel / foodie friends.
Enjoy your travels, good food, and chat soon on Instagram / TikTok / YouTube.
– Jenna
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