So, after leaving the huge San Cristobal fort.
We left and waited a few minutes, until our driver finally showed up (he was doing loops).
He picked us up and onwards we went to the SAN FELIPE DEL MORRO fort.
He then explained some problem with some citizens of San Juan who refused to leave the outer walls of San Juan that pretty much blocks them away from the city, not to mention that their homes are heavily exposed to storms and hurricanes.
The zone also reassembled a ghetto with its own rules.
There is a very big "explanada" or plat area with zero trees. This was used to have the enemy under constant fire with no cover.
And some of the "lower" area as now been transformed into an underground parking lot which is invisible for the most part.
Pardon the horrible panorama,extremely windy, no tripod, plus tired = blurry row of shots.
should have sped up the shutter to freeze the action...
It was a bit of a long walk under the sun. There is also a small chained golf kart similar to the shuttles of Disney (that takes you from the parking lots to the parks) Unfortunately, the shuttle was nowhere to be seen. Infact we were arriving to the fort when we finally seen it entering the El Morro area.
This castle has even more impressive ramparts, towers and castle walls.
It also has a multi level canon fortifications. Having 3 floors.. in a 2-2 style.
Level 3 and level 2 viewing the city of San Juan, and level 3 and level 1 (in triangle shape with an elevated fortification for bigger canons) facing the sea.
Facing the South side (San Juan's bay)
Facing the north, to the sea.
Note the "modern" lighthouse which was rebuilt once when the first was damaged beyond repair.
Just like San Cristobal, there is a small entrance with a security guard that charges you the entrance fees. We paid already on San Cristobal so we did just show our tickets and we entered with no issue.
This castle had a more smaller courtyard. But with similar structures and barracks.
They had impressive areas with rooms that had narrow "balconies" that overlook the sea and the bay entrance. I wouldnt be surprised if they could have been used for canons as well.
First thing we did was check out the right side.. Where they had a lot of displays of canons and weapons of the different eras the fort survived. From the first years of the Spanish empire, to the final war against the USA and subsequent annexation.
This fort also had a new WW2 reinforced bunker built on one of the sections. In this case, it was closed to visitors.
The view from the Second floor canon fortifications of the north side, facing the "triangle" fortification. Leading to the strongest battery and the water battery.. The "Bateria de Santa Barbara". (which was the highlight of the battle against the english forces.) .
note the more modern WW2 bunker and its communication tower.
Mother dearest posing on the north wall battery (the chainfence is nearby where I took the prior photo)
A Garita on the second level, this is the most right ( most to the north) part of the fort.
This was the photo right by the garita. Facing the San Juan battery (third level).
Panorama of the San Juan battery fortifications, facing the door and San Juan.
And the most photogenic part of the Fort, the Lighthouse!
Now, annoyance of the day.
There were some kids that were literally DESTROYING everything they touched.. they kicked, threw rocks and tried to bend things they found through the parks. the parents were oblivious and ignoring all the destruction the kids did.
Many of the visitors were really beyond furious at the display.
I was no surprise an officer later went to check if there was damage and call out the parents for being reverend dbags.
See the "el morro light house" they were kicking and jumping on it (after dropping it to the floor). Then proceed to kick the doors.. and I dont mean soft kicks, I mean real karate style kicks.
One of the smaller doors (that looked like a cellar style door) budget a bit, they laughed and left...
Really wanted to give him a good old face slap I swear!.
Anyway, more photos of the light house and third floor.
We didnt venture to the bunker area. We wanted to see the lower battery before we had to leave.
Note that the sun was seriously burning. Thanks god we had our hats (I had a Safari hat that I bought at animal kingdom, and my mother that fancy painted straw hat). The wind made the temps very tolerable.
We then got down and headed towards to see more of the displays, including the barracks (yikes.. they had to sleep like this!)
From the second floor rooms (which included a small souvenir store)..
You could see the small balconies and take photos of the BATERIA DE SANTA BARBARA.
Look at those extensive fortifications. Each triangle had a canon. I bet it would have been impressive seeing it on full action against the english.
Then we went downstairs via the main supply ramp.. Can you imagine dragging a few tons of canon balls, gunpowder..etc..?
Also there was supposed some shells stuck in the wall during the Spanish USA war.
The old style bronze cannons during the Spanish England battle with yours truly.
Tune in for part 4!!!
It also ended up being a good thing last trip when my dad had to go home for a funeral midtrip. We just booked him a flight to go home and come back (and Disney, fyi, was wonderful about accommodating us for ME and dining reservations).
