Fortaleza Ozama

Located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, it is an emblematic symbol of American colonial history and the oldest European military structure in the New World. Built between 1502 and 1508 under the supervision of Governor Nicolás de Ovando, this imposing coral stone fortress stands near the Ozama River, from which it takes its name.

Originally known as the Tower of Homage or Watchtower, Fortaleza Ozama played a crucial role in defending the city against pirates and English, French, and Portuguese invaders. Its central tower, standing 18.5 meters tall, provided a panoramic view of the city and coast, making it a strategic surveillance point.

Throughout its history, the fortress has served various purposes:

Administrative and military center during the Spanish colonial period.

Prison that housed historical figures such as Christopher Columbus, Juan Pablo Duarte, and the founders of the Dominican Republic.

Scene of significant political events, such as Rafael Leónidas Trujillo's plans to seize power in 1930.

UNESCO declared Fortaleza Ozama a World Heritage Site in 1990, recognizing its historical and architectural importance. Currently, the fortress is an important tourist and cultural attraction, offering visitors a unique window into the colonial past of the Dominican Republic. 

Originalmente conocida como la Torre del Homenaje o Torre de la Vigía, la Fortaleza Ozama desempeñó un papel crucial en la defensa de la ciudad contra piratas e invasores ingleses, franceses y portugueses. Su torre central de 18.5 metros de altura permitía una vista panorámica de la ciudad y la costa, convirtiéndola en un punto estratégico de vigilancia.

A lo largo de su historia, la fortaleza ha servido diversos propósitos:

• Centro administrativo y militar durante el período colonial español.
• Prisión que albergó a figuras históricas como Cristóbal Colón, Juan Pablo Duarte, y los fundadores de la República Dominicana.
• Escenario de eventos políticos significativos, como los planes de Rafael Leónidas Trujillo para tomar el poder en 1930.

La UNESCO declaró la Fortaleza Ozama Patrimonio de la Humanidad en 1990, reconociendo su importancia histórica y arquitectónica. Actualmente, la fortaleza es un importante atractivo turístico y cultural, ofreciendo a los visitantes una ventana única al pasado colonial de la República Dominicana.