La Cabaña is the largest colonial fortress in the Americas — an 18th-century stone fortification on the eastern shore of Havana harbour that was built by the Spanish after the British captured Havana in 1762 (the fortress was designed to prevent a repeat of that humiliation, which it did — no one has captured Havana since). The fortress provides the best panoramic view of the Old Havana skyline across the harbour.
The Cañonazo ceremony — a cannon firing performed every evening at 9pm by soldiers in 18th-century colonial uniforms — has been a daily tradition since the colonial period, when the cannon signalled the closing of the city gates and the raising of the chain across the harbour mouth. The ceremony draws crowds to the fortress ramparts, and the view of Havana's skyline at night from the cannon position — the Capitolio dome lit up, the Malecón promenade glowing, and the harbour reflecting the city lights — is the most romantic perspective available.
During the day, the fortress houses the Museo de Comandancia del Che Guevara (Che used the fortress as his headquarters after the revolution, and the rooms where he signed execution orders for Batista-era officials are preserved) and a collection of military artifacts. The fortress is accessible by the tunnel under the harbour or by ferry from Old Havana.
Verified Facts
La Cabaña is the largest colonial fortress in the Americas
Built after the British captured Havana in 1762
The Cañonazo cannon ceremony takes place at 9pm nightly
Che Guevara used the fortress as his headquarters after the revolution
Get walking directions
Calle Habana, Guanabacoa, Havana, Cuba
