Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta

Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta is a small stone fortress on Havana’s Malecón, guarding the western side of the entrance to Havana Bay. Its position directly across the water from El Morro gives you a clear view of the harbor and the paired defenses that once protected it. Inside, look for old cannons, military objects, sculptures and statues; the exterior walls also show details of its construction. Allow time to walk around the waterfront, though the displays are limited and English information is scarce.

A fortress at the harbor entrance

La Punta stands on the western edge of Havana’s harbor entrance, directly across the water from Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro. The two fortresses formed part of the defenses guarding the channel into the bay. During periods of danger, a heavy chain stretched between them to block ships from entering the port.

La Punta was one element in a wider network of fortifications protecting Havana, its port and its dockyard. Other defenses included Castillo de la Real Fuerza and the larger fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña across the entrance canal. The three castles of La Punta, El Morro and La Real Fuerza also appear on Havana’s coat of arms.

What to see at La Punta

The fortress is modest in size, but its harbor-side location gives the visit a clear focus: the entrance to the bay and the defenses across the water. Inside, you can see old cannons and military objects, along with sculptures and statues. Displays include scale models of Spanish ships that came to the island and relics recovered from shipwrecks.

Look at the exterior as well as the exhibits. Details of the stone construction are visible from the facade, and the views take in Havana Bay and El Morro. The site has limited English information, so visitors who want detailed interpretation may find the displays less informative.