El Morro Castle & La Cabaña Fortress, Havana
Perched on the rocky headland across the harbour channel from Old Havana, the twin fortresses of Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro and Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña form the largest military complex in the Americas. The panorama of the Havana skyline from here — dome of El Capitolio, Malecón seawall, vintage cars threading the waterfront — is the definitive postcard shot of Cuba.
El Morro Lighthouse and Ramparts
Built between 1589 and 1630 to guard the entrance to Havana Bay, El Morro's limestone walls have weathered pirate raids, British occupation and centuries of Atlantic storms. Climb the 1844 lighthouse for a 360-degree view that stretches from the open Straits of Florida to the hazy hills behind the city.
The moat, drawbridge and cannon-lined ramparts are all intact and freely walkable. Come at low tide in the late afternoon when the sea turns deep green against the pale stone and the Havana skyline glows amber — photographers routinely call it one of the most reliably beautiful hours in the Caribbean.
The Cañonazo Ceremony at La Cabaña
Every night at 9 pm sharp, soldiers in 18th-century uniforms perform the Cañonazo — a ceremonial cannon firing that once signalled the closing of Havana's city gates. The ritual has continued almost without interruption for over 200 years and draws a crowd of Cubans and visitors who gather on the ramparts in the warm dark, waiting for the boom that rolls across the water.
La Cabaña itself is enormous — nearly a kilometre long — and houses the Che Guevara Command Post museum, a sculpture garden and several open-air bars. Budget at least two hours to walk the full length of the walls before the ceremony begins.
El Morro Castle & La Cabaña Fortress, Havana on video
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