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Fortress · Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata
Fortaleza San Felipe
A Spanish fortress from 1577 on the tip of Puerto Plata’s malecón, the only colonial building remaining in the city, with a small museum and views of the harbor.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Fortaleza San Felipe
Fortaleza San Felipe began construction in 1577 to protect Puerto Plata from pirates and privateers who attacked the island’s north coast. It is the only colonial-period building that survived in the city and one of the oldest forts in the Americas. It has thick stone walls, a moat, a tower and cannon batteries facing the sea.
Over the centuries the fortress changed hands and functions and was used as a prison. Among those who passed through it was Juan Pablo Duarte, one of the fathers of Dominican independence. Today it houses a small museum with weapons, cannonballs, objects found in excavations and the site’s history.
The fortress sits on a promontory at the western end of the malecón, surrounded by a grassy park. From the top of the walls you can see the harbor, the bay and, in the distance, Loma Isabel de Torres. Beside it the 19th-century Puerto Plata lighthouse completes the scene.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour.
Best time
At sunset, when the sun falls over the sea and light hits the walls, or early in the morning when it is cooler.
How to get there
It is at the western end of the malecón, about 1 km from Parque Central, reachable on foot along the seafront or by taxi.
Tip
Combine the visit with a walk along the malecón and the adjacent lighthouse. The museum is small; the best parts are the walls and the view.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Fortaleza San Felipe
When was Fortaleza San Felipe built?
From 1577 onwards, to defend the city from pirates and privateers.
Does the fortress have a museum?
Yes, a small museum with weapons, cannonballs and objects found in excavations.
Can you walk from the center to the fortress?
Yes, it’s about 1 km along the malecón.