Fortaleza Ozama

Fortaleza Ozama is a stone fortress at the entrance to Santo Domingo's Ciudad Colonial, overlooking the Ozama River. Built by the Spanish between 1502 and 1508, it is the oldest military construction of European origin in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can see its original castle-like architecture, an 18-meter central tower, and tunnels and dungeons where prisoners were once held.

Don't miss

• The 18-meter Tower of Homage, with walls 2 meters thick
• Tunnels and dungeons where prisoners, including Christopher Columbus, were held
• A statue of Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés, governor of the fortress from 1533 to 1557
• Bullet holes on the doors from the 1965 Dominican Civil War
• An exhibition of relatively modern military vehicles and weapons

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Fortaleza Ozama

Cheapest way inSanto Domingo Small Group Walking Tour: Beer and Specialty Coffee4.9★ · 72 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$59 per personSee dates →Best full daySanto Domingo Top: 3 Eyes, Light House, Boca Chica Beach & Lunch4.9★ · 32 travelers~7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$70 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleFrom Santo Domingo Saona Island Food And Drink Catamaran Vip4.2★ · 31 travelers~10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$95 per personSee dates →

Know before you go

• Located at the end of Las Damas Street in the Ciudad Colonial.
• A guide is recommended to explain the historical background.
• The fortress itself is not very large; plan accordingly.

A bit of history

The fortress was built to guard the port and defend against English, French, and Dutch pirates. Coral stones from the sea were used, and Black and Taino slaves worked on its construction. The architect was Gómez Garcia de Varela. Pirate Sir Francis Drake seized it in 1586. It served as a prison until 1965, when it became a public building. Bullet holes from the 1965 Dominican Civil War remain on the doors.