Havana's Morro Castle: nightly cannon ceremony and lighthouse views
Morro Castle, a fortress that once guarded the port of Havana, Cuba, is now a visitor attraction. A cannon-lighting ceremony takes place there every night at 9:00 PM, and the castle and lighthouse can be toured by day.
Morro Castle (Castillo de los Tres Santos Reyes del Morro) stands in Havana, the capital of Cuba. The old fortress once protected the city's port, and the complex also includes a lighthouse and sections that were used as a prison. Today it is open to visitors, who can attend an evening ceremony or take a daytime tour.
The evening ceremony
Every night at 9:00 PM, performers dressed as Spanish colonial soldiers of the 18th century stage a ceremony in which a cannon is lit. The sound carries across most of Old Havana, but the event can also be watched in person at the castle. It starts promptly, so visitors are advised to arrive before nine.
Visiting by day
During the day, visitors can see the castle and the lighthouse. A guide explains the history of the fortress and shows the parts that served as a prison, after which people are free to explore the grounds. It is possible to climb to the top, where the view takes in Havana and the ocean. The site is large, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The description notes that the many cannons make it easy to picture pirates on the horizon.
Practical information
There is a small admission fee for both the cannon ceremony and the lighthouse, and the lighthouse fee is a few Cuban pesos. The lighthouse is open only at certain hours, so opening times should be checked online beforehand. Tipping the guide is customary.
The information is based on a place description published on Atlas Obscura, a travel and curiosities platform, by a community contributor.
