Castillo de la Real Fuerza
A few steps from the Museo de la Ciudad, the 16th-century fortress, Castillo de la Real Fuerza, was built to fend off attacks from pirates. Unfortunately, it was never used for this purpose, since it was positioned too far inside the bay. Instead, the fort functioned as a storehouse for valuables and a residence for members of the military and gentry. Designed and built by Francisco de Calona, Castillo de la Real Fuerza is an engineering marvel with a deep moat, a drawbridge, and walls that are 6 meters thick and 10 meters high. Today, visitors can explore Havana's seafaring history at the maritime museum here with displays such as model sailing boats, weapons, and treasure retrieved from sunken ships.