Standing guard at the entrance to Puerto Plata's harbor since 1577, Fortaleza San Felipe (Fort San Felipe) represents one of the oldest and best-preserved Spanish colonial military structures in the Caribbean. Built under the orders of King Felipe II of Spain to protect the city from pirates and foreign invaders, this historic fortress now serves as a window into the Dominican Republic's colonial past.

## Architectural Features

The fortress's design showcases classic Spanish military architecture:

- Thick stone walls designed to withstand cannon fire
- Strategic position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
- A moat that originally surrounded the structure
- Cannon emplacements facing the harbor
- Interior chambers that housed soldiers and prisoners
- A central courtyard

## Historical Significance

Beyond its impressive structure, Fortaleza San Felipe has played many roles in Dominican history:

- Protected Puerto Plata from notorious pirates including Francis Drake
- Served as a prison during various periods, including the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo
- Witnessed key moments in the Dominican Republic's struggle for independence
- Became a national monument in 1980
- Now houses a small but informative museum of colonial artifacts

## Visitor Experience

Today's visitors to the fortress can enjoy:

- Self-guided tours of the grounds and interior chambers
- Museum exhibits featuring weapons, maps, and historical documents
- Spectacular views of Puerto Plata's coastline from the upper levels
- Evening light displays that illuminate the fortress
- The adjacent Malecón (seaside boulevard) perfect for sunset strolls

## Practical Information

The fortress is:
- Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Accessible via a short walk from Puerto Plata's central park
- Equipped with informational plaques in Spanish and English
- Suitable for visitors of all ages
- One of Puerto Plata's most photographed landmarks

Our taxi service provides convenient transportation to Fortaleza San Felipe, and our knowledgeable drivers can share additional historical context about this remarkable monument to Dominican history.