Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Mexico
South Africa
Fiji
Fortress · Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
Fortaleza Ozama
The oldest fortress in the Americas, built from 1502 to 1508, at the mouth of the Ozama River, with the Torre del Homenaje from which you can see the city and the port.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Fortaleza Ozama
Fortaleza Ozama was built between 1502 and 1508 to protect the entrance of the Ozama River and the port of the new city. It is considered the oldest European military construction in the Americas. For centuries it was Santo Domingo's main defense point, and later served as barracks and a prison until the 1960s.
The center of the complex is the Torre del Homenaje, a square stone tower about 18 meters high. A narrow staircase leads to the top, from where you can see the mouth of the Ozama, the Caribbean Sea, the opposite shore with the Faro a Colón and the roofs of the Ciudad Colonial. In the courtyard, grassy and surrounded by walls, are cannons, the statue of Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo, chronicler of the Indies, and remains of military constructions from various periods.
The entrance is on Calle Las Damas, the first street laid out by the Spanish, which links the fortress to the Panteón de la Patria and the Museo de las Casas Reales. Along it are 16th-century stone houses, today occupied by hotels, institutions and small museums.
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 45 minutes, including the climb up the tower.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, when the courtyard is in shade and the view from the top of the tower is nicer. At midday the sun is strong on the lawn.
How to get there
The entrance is on Calle Las Damas, near the junction with El Conde street. From Parque Colón it's a five-minute walk.
Tip
Wear sturdy shoes for the tower staircase, which is narrow and has uneven steps. Take advantage of the visit to walk the full length of Calle Las Damas up to the Alcázar.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Fortaleza Ozama
Can you climb the Torre del Homenaje?
Yes, via a narrow internal staircase. From the top you can see the Ozama river, the sea and the Ciudad Colonial.
Was Fortaleza Ozama ever taken?
It experienced invasions and changes of government over the centuries, but it has a reputation for never having been taken by force through its walls.
What is Calle Las Damas?
The first street laid out by the Spanish in the Americas, running from the fortress to the Alcázar and passing the Panteón de la Patria.