In 1539, Spanish military engineers began to build a fort on a rocky headland to protect the entrance to San Juan harbor. Its name, El Morro means headland or promontory in Spanish. The strategic port of
San Juan was a strong base to guard vital shipping lanes entering the Caribbean from Europe. Under constant danger of English, French and Dutch attack, this six level fortress was continually enlarged in the 17th and 18th centuries.
El Morro is found at the western tip of Old San Juan, about 10 minutes walk from Plaza de Armas and the main shopping streets of the old city. No parking is available, so plan to use shuttle or taxi transportation.