When we arrived in Old San Juan,the first thing I wanted to see was El Morro Fortress.I've long read that this is the best preserved fortress in the New World,and I now know that to be true. The place is pristine.
For it's day this fort had to be of incredable importance in the defence of the city. Looking over the walls toward the sea as ships enter immediately shows that anything entering the harbor would be under the guns of El Morro.
It is no wonder the construction of San Christobal became necessary to protect against land invasion. Facing El Morro at that time would have been a daunting task,and land invasion would have been an attractive alternative.
Life at El Morro would have been difficult at best,as the fort is a multi-tiered laborynth of corridors, ramps and gun ports. Hauling cannon and ball up and down these levels in the summer heat must have taken it's toll.
El Morro is a must-see in Old San Juan.