Fortaleza de San Felipe — Attraction in Puerto Plata

I visited Fortaleza de San Felipe back in June 2023. Provided with an English-language audio guide, I learned the full history of the fort and surrounding area. Besides history, part of the fort is an open air gallery featuring the photography of local artists who won the contest POP Me Hace Sonreir hosted by Puerto Plata Ashonorte, the tourism council of the area. Another incredible exhibit inside the fort are the Primicias de América en República Dominicana (American Firsts in the Dominican Republic). This fun national project document early settlements, buildings, places of worship, and events that took place during Spanish colonization of Hispaniola. Unfortunately, not all visitors can access these exhibits. Like many old forts, this building is only accessible by stairs, and no ramps are available. Audio tours come in Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, and many other languages, but no written equivalent is available. The inside spaces of the fort are dark and cramped. Frequent pictogram signage reminds visitors to mind their heads. All written signage was in Spanish and used plain language. The restrooms were super clean and monitored, a surprise bonus. Tickets were $400RD (about $2US) and include the audio headset. This is another not-to-be-missed spot for history lovers visiting...

This fort is in San Felipe Park which is a short walk from the cruise ship port. The sidewalk is skinny in places so not accessible for wheelchairs. Once at the park it’s easy walking to get to the fort itself.

Who wouldn’t like seeing a Spanish fort dating to the late 1500s which was built to defend against pirates. The fort was completed in 1577. There is a $2 per person fee and you get a headset so you can listen to the story of the fort. My headset didn’t work well. I think it was a bad cable or the audio port. It was fine as the fort is interesting with lots of things to look at and read.

Like most of the Dominican, the fort could use money to fix things up. It’s a great place to get photos of the water, beaches and cruise ship port. There are public bathrooms...

I had a great day riding around on a tour of the area. I mentioned wanting to see the fort, our guide kept calling it a jail and saying something about his father never used it or something... I didn't really understand him very well, and I don't think it was intended as a jail.

The bedrock just past the entrance shows signs of being drilled with a large auger or something, which I like.

There was a houseless gentleman who had one of the nicest views from his little makeshift but over the wall by the horse statue. I spoke with him for a while and found out he and I have a mutual acquaintance; what a small world!

Later in the evening we heard some awesome drum-line practicing over by the fort. All in all, it was a pretty good island day. The most memorable...