FORTALEZA SAN FELIPE

A square and imposing building, composed of a wall framing a central round and crenellated tower. Its strategic position allowed it to effectively defend the entrance to the port against pirate attacks. It is the only building in Puerto Plata dating from the 16th century. The fortress was used as a court of justice and then as a military prison on several occasions, notably from 1930 to 1961, under the Trujillo dictatorship. Inside there is a small military museum; you can see the cell of Juan Pablo Duarte, father of the country, who was detained there in August 1844.