Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana, also known as 'La Cabana', is the third-largest fortress complex in the Americas. Its construction started in 1763 and was completed in 1774. It is 750 meters long, standing on the tall 200-foot peak of its hill. Since 1982 it is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The British forces captured Havana and soon made an exchange agreement with the Spanish. The agreement asked the British to exchange Havana for Spanish occupied Florida. After having gained the possession of Havana, the Spanish forces ordered a fortress to be made in order to stay prepared for any threats against their rule. 'King Carlos III' of Spain ordered the fort to be built, and construction began in 1763. The gigantic fortress was designed by an army engineer named, 'Silvestre Abarca'. Installations and features of the fort were the best and most advanced of the 18th century. The cost of this project was enormous. It cost the treasury 14 million gold pesos. King Carlos III wanted to keep an eye on this expensive structure all the time so he ordered a spyglass, which he used to keep an eye on the fort.
La Cabana could hold up to 6000 soldiers, however, there was never a need to make this happen. It took part in the wars of independence, as a prison. And the prisoners faced fires in its pits. It was used as a prison and storage area in the 20th century. After being successful in his '1959 Revolution', 'Ernesto Che Guevara' set up his headquarters in this fort whilst restoring it after all the damage done. Several museums were set up inside the fort after its completion in 1992.
Several events are held at the fort nowadays, including exhibitions and book fairs. The unique 'Baroque' architecture involving the curbs and lobes of this fort pulls tourists towards itself. Its exterior comprises of beautiful lawns while its interior tells stories regarding its background. The bunkers, barracks, huge cannons, revelins and caponiers represent what the structure has seen and experienced. Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana is home to one of the biggest weapon collections in the Americas and offers its visitors a chance to see it via a permanent exhibition.
If you are travelling from 'Jose Marti International Airport' to 'Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana' you may opt to choose one of the following routes.
You can take a 43-minute (50.1 kilometres) bus from 'Terminal 2' to 'Parque El Curita'. Then you must walk for 1 hour (4.3 kilometres) to reach the fortress. The cost for this route is approximately 1 Cuban Peso (1 USD).
You could also take a 23-minute (23.5 kilometres) taxi and reach the fortress directly. The cost for this route is approximately 21 to 25 Cuban Pesos (21 to 25 USD).
Sunday: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Monday 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.:
Tuesday: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Thursday: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Waiting Time
No, unless there is a long queue at the entrance on busy days.
Entrance Fee
Adults (12 years and older): 5 Cuban Pesos (5 USD)
Children (less than 12 years of age): Free
Time you can spend
1 hour to 2 hours
Weather
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