Fortaleza Ozama
Fortaleza Ozama is the oldest military fort from the colonization of the New World, located in the historic center of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. As part of the colonial city, the ancient Osama Fort was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.
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Developing new lands, the Spanish feared attacks by the Dutch, French, English and sea pirates, so they built powerful fortifications in the coastal zone. The fortress was built at the mouth of the Osama River from 1503 to 1507, and it was named after the river on which the new town appeared.
Video: Osama Fortress
Background
Nowadays, the architectural monument is one of the visiting cards of the Dominican capital and a popular tourist attraction. Osama Fortress includes several buildings surrounded by a crenellated wall. In embrasures around the perimeter of the fortress you can see ancient cannons, and at the entrance is an image of Santa Barbara, the patron saint of Spanish artillerymen.
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In the green courtyard stands an expressive monument to the fort’s commander, Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo. It is a tribute to the man who was chief of the military garrison from 1533 to 1557. Notably, the brave commodore is also known as the author of the first history of the New World..Almost all travelers climb the powerful Torre del Homenaje tower, which has thick walls and embrasures to fire at enemies. There is an excellent observation deck on the roof of this tower that offers excellent views of the blue Caribbean Sea, the estuary and the streets of the colonial city.
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The doors of Osama Fort are open to tourists any day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
.History of the fort
The fortifications near the mouth of the river were founded by the governor of Española, Nicolás de Ovando, and were built in the tradition of medieval castles. The main tower and walls were built of stone, without the use of cement or metal. To mislead the pirates, the arsenal, where gunpowder and ammunition were stored, was made to look like a church.
.From the beginning of the 16th century for several centuries, Osama Fortress served as a reliable defense and closed the way for enemy ships to the interior of the continent. It occupied an advantageous position and controlled the place where the river flowed into the Caribbean Sea, as well as a parking lot for warships.
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For a long time, the ancient fort served as a military base, and during the Republican period, prisoners were held within its walls. Since the coast was owned by different states, the Spanish, French and English flags were flown over the main tower of the fort. The flags of Haiti and the United States have been flown here, and today the national flag of the Dominican Republic flies over the ancient fortifications.
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How to get there
Osama Fort is located near the mouth of the river of the same name, 200 meters from the Cathedral in Santo Domingo. The Terminal Don Diego ferry pier is 400 meters from the fort. The nearest bus stop “Calle Las Mercedes” is 1.2 km from the fort, while the nearest metro station “Joaquín Balaguer” is 3.2 km away. From Las Americas Airport, it takes half an hour by cab to reach Osama Fort.
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