Castillo del Príncipe (Castle of the Prince), Havana

Castillo del Príncipe (Castle of the Prince), Havana

The Castle of the Prince (Castillo del Príncipe), situated on the Loma de Aróstegui in Havana, stands as a significant historical military fort. This fortress, acknowledged by UNESCO in 1982 as part of Old Havana's historic sites, holds importance for its role in the European conquest of the New World, its contribution to Havana's defenses, and its distinctive architecture. Its construction was prompted by the vulnerability exposed after Havana was seized by the English in the 18th century, leading the Spanish government to fortify the city extensively.

Named in honor of Charles of Bourbon, the Prince of Asturias, and future King Charles III of Spain, Colonel Silvestre Abarca y Aznar oversaw its construction, starting in 1767 and completing in 1779. Initially conceived as part of a larger military installation, its purpose evolved.

The fort's design features an irregular pentagon shape with bastions, semi-bastions, a redan, trenches, mine galleries, and accommodations for a garrison of 1000 soldiers. Its defenses included 60 cannons and a network of tunnels for communication.

The Castle of the Prince had various functions throughout history, notably serving as a prison from colonial times until the Cuban Revolution. It housed both common criminals and political detainees, including prominent individuals like Rafael María de Mendive, a teacher of José Martí, and revolutionaries such as Julio Antonio Mella and Eduardo Chibás.

Following the revolution, the fort transitioned from a prison to a venue for military ceremonies, reflecting Cuba's evolving political landscape. Notably, during 1961-1962, it housed survivors of the Bay of Pigs Invasion, who were later released on Christmas Day 1962. The fort's history encompasses its military importance and its role in Cuba's broader socio-political narrative.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Havana. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Castillo del Príncipe (Castle of the Prince) on Map

Sight Name: Castillo del Príncipe (Castle of the Prince)
Sight Location: Havana, Cuba (See walking tours in Havana)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Havana, Cuba

Create Your Own Walk in Havana

Create Your Own Walk in Havana

Creating your own self-guided walk in Havana is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Palaces Walking Tour

Old Palaces Walking Tour

Havana has been the seat of Cuba’s ruling gentry for centuries. Today, you can walk the streets of Old Havana and explore its palaces to get a glimpse into the city’s royal past. Although these structures now serve Havana’s citizens and visitors, they still catch your eye (and your camera lens!) with their architecture and history.

Start your trip with the ornate Presidential Palace,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour

Old Town Walking Tour

The Spanish founded Havana in 1519. After French pirate Jacques de Sores ransacked the city in 1555, the Castle of the Royal Force was built to protect the city.

Havana became a major stopping point between the newly discovered Americas and ancient Europe. In the 1600s, Havana was a major shipbuilding port.

Old Havana is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic city has five...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Hemingway's Havana Walking Tour

Hemingway's Havana Walking Tour

Ever since Hemingway first visited Cuba in 1928 until his death in 1961, he felt an intense connection with the people and culture of Cuba. Hemingway lived at Hotel Ambos Mundos during the 1930s, and began, wrote, and finished several novels there. Today, you can see some of Hemingway's belongings in Room 511.

Hemingway was a frequent patron at El Floridita, famous for its daiquiris....  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Historical Churches and Cathedrals Walking Tour

Historical Churches and Cathedrals Walking Tour

Discovered and conquered by Spanish colonists in the early 16th century, Havana has turned into a major religious center of Catholicism in the Caribbean. Although a communist regime is currently in power, many of the churches, cathedrals, and other religious buildings have been preserved and still give a glimpse of the city’s religious heritage.

The old Havana Cathedral, located in a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles

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