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Fuertes Españoles, Gibara

Visit the Fuertes españoles of Gibara, the redoubts of the defensive belt of this Cuban city

The Fuertes Españoles (Spanish Forts) of Gibara, a coastal city in the Cuban province of Holguín started out in life in the beginning of pirate and corsair attacks during the 18th century. At the end of this century the first procedures were carried out, such as the installation of  cannons on the banks of Cayogüín and a vigilance point on the Loma de la Vigía (Watchtower Hillock) and the construction works of the fortifications began in the 19th century already that still remain there.

In 1817, the sod-turning ceremony of the new defensive system of Gibara city took place, the Batería de Fernando VII (Battery of Ferdinand VII) that helped the birth of the city. Various groups worked in the tower guarding the bay, which meant that they needed room for living. Then construction works of a building in the uptown began, a project that was brought to a halt because of its location and whose remains subsequently are known as El Cuartelón.

To the maritime pirate and corsair attacks we can add the pro-independence uprisings carried out by mambises and they needed new defensive measures in the city. The initial trenches and perimeter fences were quickly replaced with a defensive wall and a succession of small forts that turned Gibara into the second walled city after La Habana (Havana).

This system was equipped with a 2-kilometre stretch from the north to the south, a height of two metres and a thickness of two feet as well as five small forts and two defence tambours at the main entrance. In the guerra del 95 (Cuban War of Independence) the wall was repaired due to merchant’s fear of losing their wealth. Once the conflict was over it was destroyed in order to expand the city. Nowadays only the small forts remain there.

The remains of this old defensive belt carry on surrounding the city and they have turned into city symbols. Built mainly with masonry, they rise above the horizon and guard the Gibara Bay like they did in the olden days. They provide you with excellent views towards the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

More information:

Location:

Gibara, Cuba

Interactive map:

Holguín