The fortress of El Morro is located on a rocky hill and protects the entrance to the harbor at the narrowest point of the Bay of Havana. The name of this sea fort refers to the three biblical magi, which is why it is also called the Fortress of the Magi. The castle was built a little over 40 years in the period from the end of the XVI century. until the first half of the 17th century. by order of the Spanish king Philip II to protect merchant ships and galleons from pirate raids and other invaders. Powerful fortress walls were erected in the form of an irregular polygon and are, as it were, a natural continuation of the rocks. The defensive system of the fortress includes three bastions and a 25-meter lighthouse. The walls of the fort have been perfectly preserved to our time, there are also barracks, powder stores and the premises of the commandant of the fortress and port. El Morro is now home to several museums and ancient cannons, while the lighthouse observation deck offers great views of Old Havana and the bay.