DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Castillo de la Punta

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°3
Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)

Weather…

The Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta is a key colonial fortress guarding the western entrance to Havana Bay. Along with the El Morro fortress on the opposite shore, it formed the primary defense system protecting the city from pirates and foreign naval powers. Construction began in 1590 under the direction of Italian military engineer Battista Antonelli and was completed in 1630. A unique historical feature of the fortress was its role in securing the harbor; every night, a heavy iron chain was stretched between La Punta and El Morro to prevent ships from entering the bay illegally. During the British siege of 1762, the fort sustained significant damage and was later rebuilt as part of a massive defensive upgrade of the city. Today, it houses a museum of underwater archaeology, showcasing artifacts recovered from sunken Spanish galleons. The fortress has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982 and features striking views of the Malecón and the harbor entrance.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222425272829292928272524
Rain mm302923336410883108102874530

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Castillo de la Punta is a historic fort that can be visited both inside and outside. Visitors can explore the ramparts and enjoy views of the bay, though some interior areas may be restricted.
🕒
Typical hours
As a museum and historic site, it typically opens during daytime hours, often around 9:00-17:00, but exact schedules vary. Check locally for current opening days, as it may close on certain holidays.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed in most outdoor areas of the fort. Inside, flash may be prohibited to protect exhibits; always check signs.
⏱️
Time needed
A thorough visit of the fort and its surroundings takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Those interested in military history might spend longer reading the informative panels.
➕
Combine with
Combine with the nearby Castillo del Morro, which is directly opposite across the channel. Also walk along the Malecón which starts nearby.
🧭
Getting there
Located at the western entrance of Havana Bay, easily reached by taxi or on foot from Old Havana. The fort is just a short walk from the Malecón's western end.
💡
Insider tip
Visit in the late afternoon to get great light for photos of the fort against the sea. Bring water as it can get hot inside the stone walls.

Geography

Coordinates
23.14500, -82.35200

Facts

  • The fortress construction was initiated in 1590.
  • The project reached completion in 1630.
  • A massive iron chain was stretched across the bay to block entry.
  • It was nearly leveled by British artillery fire in 1762.
  • Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982.
  • The site now serves as a museum for recovered shipwreck treasures.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Morro CastleMorro Castle<1 km · WExplore →
HavanaHavana2 km · SExplore →
Santiago de las VegasSantiago de las Vegas3 km · WExplore →
Lenin ParkLenin Park3 km · SExplore →
Almendares RiverAlmendares River5 km · SExplore →
Hemingway HouseHemingway House6 km · NExplore →
Fortress of CojímarFortress of Cojímar8 km · NExplore →
BatabanóBatabanó10 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Castillo de la Punta (3)

Amphitheatre of Old Havana📍 landmark

The Amphitheatre of Old Havana is an open-air theater in Havana, used for cultural performances.

La Cabaña📍 landmark

La Cabaña is a fortress in Havana, serving as a military prison and museum.

San Carlos and San Ambrosio Seminary📍 landmark

San Carlos and San Ambrosio Seminary is a historic building in Havana, once an educational institution.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What purpose did Castillo de la Punta serve in the past?
It was part of Havana's defense system and guarded the harbor entrance along with El Morro.
Where exactly in Havana is the fortress located?
It is located at the western entrance of the bay, right at the end of the Malecón in Old Havana.
Can visitors tour the inside of the fortress?
Yes, it now houses a small maritime history museum and features great views of the sea.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 45 to 60 minutes to see the complex and exhibits at a leisurely pace.
What is the best time of day for photos there?
Late afternoon has the best light for photos of the fortress with El Morro in the background.
Castillo de la Punta: where is it located?
Castillo de la Punta is located in Cuba.
Castillo de la Punta: what is there to see?
Highlights include Amphitheatre of Old Havana, La Cabaña, San Carlos and San Ambrosio Seminary.
Castillo de la Punta: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Castillo de la Punta: why is it worth visiting?
The Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta is a key colonial fortress guarding the western entrance to Havana Bay.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America
More places in Cuba →

Nearby cities

Santiago de las Vegas — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
Santiago de las Vegas
A city in the Havana province, home to the Cuban Meteorological Institute.

History & landmarks

Castillo de la Real Fuerza — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
Castillo de la Real Fuerza
A 16th-century fortress, one of the oldest colonial military structures in the Americas.
Morro Castle — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
Morro Castle
An impressive fortress at the entrance to Havana Harbor.
Havana Cathedral — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
Havana Cathedral
One of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas, built in baroque style on the Cathedral Plaza.
Plaza de Armas — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
Plaza de Armas
The oldest square in Havana, named after the military drills.
Calle Obispo — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
Calle Obispo
A busy pedestrian street in Old Havana lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Palace of the Captains General — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
Palace of the Captains General
Former seat of Spanish governors in Havana, now the city museum.
Cathedral Square — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
Cathedral Square
An important historic square in the old town of Havana.
Church of La Merced — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
Church of La Merced
One of the most magnificent churches in Havana with a rich interior.

Nature

Almendares River — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
Almendares River
A river that flows through Havana, dividing the city in two.

More places

Port of Havana — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
Port of Havana
The main port of Havana Bay and one of Cuba's busiest maritime gateways.
José Martí Birthplace — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
José Martí Birthplace
Birthplace of Cuba's national hero in Havana.
Fortaleza de la Cabaña — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
Fortaleza de la Cabaña
Large 18th-century fortress east of the harbor entrance.
Havana Textile Factory — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
Havana Textile Factory
Production of apparel.
Museum of the Revolution — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
Museum of the Revolution
Former presidential palace, now the Museum of the Revolution.
Havana Industrial Complex — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
Havana Industrial Complex
An industrial site associated with Cuba's state-led manufacturing and processing sector.
Colon Cemetery — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
Colon Cemetery
One of the most historically significant cemeteries in the world, in Havana.
Havana Fishing Port — Castillo de la Punta (Cuba)
Havana Fishing Port
Center of the fishing fleet.