Castillo San Cristóbal day 5

We saved going to the fort in Puerto Rico on our last full day, taking a bus from our hotel to there. Going to the edge of old San Juan we got off the bus right in front of the fort. Being so close to the sea it is very windy here, walking up the path to the fort we were greeted with the warmth of the trade winds. Making us fight our way up the paths against the strength of these winds. There are three levels to Castillo San Cristobal, there are steps, ramps narrow passages and tunnels. There is a lot of walking around the fort, it can take 2 hours or more to walk around, so wear good walking shoes .

Being the first major island with fresh water, food, shelter and supplies in the Caribbean coming form Europe by the sea. Puerto Rico was protected by Spain for nearly 400 years, shortly after they settled gold, silver and gems were discovered in the larger territories of Mexico. Spain quickly became a major world power during the 16th century because of having Puerto Rico's location. The fortress was built to guard the city from enemies approaching by land and covers over 27 acres being the largest one made by the Spaniards in the world. The building of the fort occurred over 150 years, major construction started in 1766 and was finished in 1783. When finished it wrapped around the entire city of San Juan, tell the 19th century, when walls were demolished to allow for the city's expanded.

Once inside after passing the welcome desk and some bathrooms on the first floor it opens up to a court yard where they use to hold military drills. There are also several rooms surrounding the courtyard that feature ports for cannons. These tied in with the thick bombproof walls really make you realize the strength this once strong fortress still has. There were living quarters, storage areas and even kitchens.

After exploring the main floor we went down a ramp to the tunnels below, where they use to transport solders and equipment around the large fort and even to the once connecting on on the other side of the city. Most of them are closed off but we got to see a few of them, and got to see what use to once be the dungeons, where there is still some art on the walls drawn by past prisoners.

Going up to the top floor you get to see cannons lined up as if they are ready for a sudden attack. And you can walk right up to the sentry boxes and look out at the fabulous vies of the water, looking out on the water just as in the colonial times the sentries would do.

Helpful sites:

https://notaboutthemiles.com/guide-to-visiting-castillo-san-cristobal-san-juan/