Description of the attraction
On the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, on a high hill, is the ancient Spanish fort of San Felipe, built to protect the city of Puerto Plata from attacks by sea robbers. Pirate ships could not come close to the fortress, since from the ocean side it was protected by a number of coral reefs. The fort got its name in honor of King Philip II, who is considered its founder. This powerful structure began to be built in 1564 and finished 13 years later. The great merit in such a quick completion of the construction belongs to the manager of the local garrison, Don Renjifo de Angulo.
Fort San Felipe served not only to protect civilians from corsairs. There was a time when he was turned into a dungeon. It was here that one of the founders of the state of the Dominican Republic, Juan Pablo Duarte, was held in custody. In the middle of the 20th century, the authorities of Puerto Plata had a brilliant idea to turn the fortress into a museum of military history. In 1965, this decision was announced publicly. Almost immediately, the reconstruction of Fort San Felipe began, which made it possible in 1983 to open its doors to the general public.
There are several reasons to visit the local fortress. Firstly, this is the only building in the city of Puerto Plata that survived a fire during the struggle for the country's independence. That is, before us is the only building of the 16th century in Puerto Plata. Secondly, there is a magnificent collection of weapons from the 18th-19th centuries. Thirdly, from the observation deck of the fort, there is an excellent view of the port and the city of Puerto Plata.
