San Pedro de la Roca Castle, Santiago de Cuba

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A Fortress of Grandeur: San Pedro de la Roca Castle, Santiago de Cuba

The Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, nestled on the rugged coastline of Santiago de Cuba, stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Spanish colonial era. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, this formidable fortification offers a glimpse into the strategic military designs of the 17th century.

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UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

Commercial and political rivalries in the Caribbean region in the 17th century resulted in the construction of this massive series of fortifications on a rocky promontory, built to protect the important port of Santiago. This intricate complex of forts, magazines, bastions and batteries is the most complete, best-preserved example of Spanish-American military architecture, based on Italian and Renaissance design principles.

UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site

The Committee decided to inscribe this property on the basis of criteria (iv) and (v), considering that the Castle of San Pedro de la Roca and its associated defensive works are of exceptional value because they constitute the largest and most comprehensive example of the principles of Renaissance military engineering adapted to the requirements of European colonial powers in the Caribbean.

Encyclopedia Record: Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca

The Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca is a fortress located on the coast of the Cuban city of Santiago de Cuba. About 6 miles (10 km) southwest of the city centre, it overlooks the bay. The fortress was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, cited as the best preserved and most complete example of Spanish-American military architecture.

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