Fortaleza Ozama
We love our island, and we want you to get the lowdown on any and all destinations worth checking out in the Dominican Republic. And, believe us, there are a lot. Sure, this one is not exactly close to the Villa, but we know there are some history buffs out there who will make the trek. If 16th century fortifications are your thing, you may even want to plan ahead and block out a couple of hours before you hop on the plane home in Santo Domingo.
Fortaleza Ozama, otherwise known as the Fortress of Santo Domingo, is regarded as one of the oldest fortresses in North America. It was skillfully constructed between 1502 and 1508 using the labor of African and Taino slaves who chopped coral into blocks and then securely fastened the blocks together. Most of the walls surrounding Fortaleza Ozama are three meters wide, except for the one meter thick wall that borders the river.
The fort was constructed in this manner so that an explosion would make the walls fall toward the river and limit potential destruction. Gómez Garcia de Varela was the master builder who had control over each stage of the fort’s construction. After the tower was built, the primary defensive fort and shooting platforms were added. Over the years, older portions of the fortress were adjusted while new sections were attached.
The location of Fortaleza Ozama was strategically chosen by Governor Frey Nicolas de Ovando, Santo Domingo’s founder, to clearly see who was arriving into the city. In addition to overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the fortress looks down upon the Ozama River. Therefore, it was successful in defending Santo Domingo from pirates and marauders, who were frequent at that time.
As the fortress was placed upon a steep bank, it was never forcefully captured despite multiple attempts. By the 1670s, Fortaleza Ozama was no longer needed for military purposes but it eventually served as a prison. When the prison closed in the 1960s, it was opened for the public to enjoy.
As a result of its thick walls, Fortaleza Ozama maintains a cool interior temperature that is quite welcome by those who ascend to the top. When arriving to Fortaleza Ozama on Calle Las Damas Street, visitors often find tour guides at the entrance offering guided tours.
Although the public is welcome to explore the fortress, it is considered an excellent value to have a guide explain the incredible history of this impressive sight. Visitors should allow time to check out the complete fort, including the grounds and the wall’s perimeter. It is well worth the effort to climb to the lookout tower to enjoy the spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea and the start of the Rio Ozama.
Major areas of interest to visitors include the Gate of Charles III, the entrance to Fortaleza Ozama; the Statue of Oviedo, a tribute to Governor Frey Nicolas de Ovando; and the Tower of Homage, the oldest fortress in the Americas resembling a medieval castle. An interior courtyard is situated inside of the tower which leads into a variety of rooms. Other fascinating parts of Fortaleza Ozama are the Arsenal, the Shooting Platforms, the Old Army Barracks and the House of Bastidas.