The trace of San Juan’s rich colonial past is still something which can
be found when visiting the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Happening
upon the district of Old San Juan – the capital’s oldest neighborhood –
one finds Forte San Felipe del Morro, or as it is more commonly known,
simply El Morro.
The trace of San Juan’s rich colonial past is still something which can be found when visiting the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Happening upon the district of Old San Juan – the capital’s oldest neighborhood – one finds Forte San Felipe del Morro, or as it is more commonly known, simply El Morro.
A sixteenth century fortressed, heavily fortified and occupying the craggy northwestern tip of San Juan, the landmark stands as a monument to Puerto Rico’s Spanish domination. Named after King Phillip II of Spain, El Morro provided a defense unit for the Spanish to protect the island from invasion by the British and Dutch. Poised in an ideal militaristic position with walls of the citadel stretching nearly 150 feet from sea level, El Morro would see use in many of the battles that mark the 400 year legacy of Puerto Rico and its subsequent rule.
A popular attraction for tourists to the island nation, El Morro hosts an impressive array of items from its war torn past. With documents, bits of ammunition and tours of the defense mechanisms of the property, the site is a delight for anyone looking to learn a little bit more about Puerto Rico’s history. What’s more, the lush grounds of the monument provide the ideal opportunity for vacation photo ops, seeing the distinction of the azure Caribbean, rocky coast and colonial architecture blend to become a picturesque back drop. Conveniently located 15 minutes from the Hilton Caribe San Juan, El Morro is a must see on any San Juan itinerary.
After exploring all that El Morro holds, the luxurious pool and Olas Spa packages available at the Caribe Hilton offer the tired traveler the chance to unwind and cool off from the sunny Caribbean climate. If a nap or a chance to read is more to your liking, take the opportunity to enjoy the hammocks and secluded beachfront on the hotel grounds. The chance to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico and its vast colonial past make spending time on the sunny island locale an absolture delight.
Peter Merifield is a London-based freelance journalist with a mission to make you a better and happier human being. Drawing attention to the peculiarities of life in the modern age is all part of the package.Check out his other articles for everything you need to know about travel destinations and hotels.
