Castillo de la Real Fuerza

The Castillo de la Real Fuerza ( German: Fortress of the Royal Armed Forces ) is a fortification on the western side of the harbor of Havana in Cuba at the Plaza de Armas. Originally built to protect the city from pirate attacks, the fort was in a bad strategic position to deep inside the harbor. The Castillo is the America's oldest fort and heard how the entire Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. It was built in the 16th century and is regarded as a unique example of military architecture from the period of Spanish colonial rule in the Caribbean. The bronze weather vane in the female figure on its bell tower called La Giraldilla ( from the Spanish word giralda = weathervane in human or animal form ), and is regarded as the unofficial symbol of Havana.

History

After the destruction of the ancient fortress of Havana by the French privateer Jacques de Sores began on December 1, 1558 the construction of the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, originally known as Fuerza Nova ( New Army ). In 1577 the fort was completed by the work of French prisoners and slaves.

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