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The Forts

Built between 1539 and 1790, San Juan's famed Castillo San Felipe del Morro (or El Morro, as it is commonly known) is the second-oldest freestanding fort in the Americas. The massive stone garrison sits on a rocky promontory at the northwest edge of Old Town. Today, visitors are free to roam the dungeons, barracks, turrets, and towers of this 180-foot-high structure. A combination pass buys entry to both El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, which stands on the northeast edge of Old Town and was built between 1634 and 1785. It's actually larger than El Morro—in fact, it's the biggest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in the Americas. And better yet, it's usually less crowded.

Created by the editors of T+L for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.