Fortaleza de San Fernando Omoa
The fortress Fortaleza de San Fernando Omoa is located directly on the coast to the Caribbean in the village of Omoa in Honduras .
history
Under King Fernando VI. the construction of the fortress was approved in 1759 and was eventually built by locals and African slaves. The fortress was originally built to protect the coast and to protect the Spanish colonial rulers from shipping silver . The coast and the ships of the Spanish fleet were very often attacked by pirates during this time and protection was required to guarantee further silver deliveries to Spain . The fortress was attacked a total of three times. When the English attacked, they were able to take the fortress for a short time, but it was later recaptured by the Spanish. A second attack was carried out by the pirate François l'Olonnais , who was only able to steal a few valuables. A third attack was also made by pirates, but it was completely unsuccessful.
After Honduras gained independence from Spain in 1821, the fortress was taken over by the local government and operated as a prison. After the prison was closed, the building stood empty for a long time. Today, Fortaleza de San Fernando Omoa is a National Monument and is administered by the Honduran Institute of Archeology and History. The fortress and its beautiful green gardens can be visited at any time, even with a guided tour.
With a total area of 4400 square meters, it is the largest fortress in Central America and the second largest in all of America. The complex has 31 vaults. The rooms housed offices, kitchens, a chapel and several armories. In addition to weapons, gunpowder and cannon balls were also stored in the armories. An armory, in which a large arsenal of cannonballs is stored, has now been restored in its original state. There is an old cemetery outside the fortress.
credentials
- Spanish Wikipedia
- Travel portal Planetware.com
Coordinates: 15 ° 46 ′ 44 ″ N , 88 ° 2 ′ 25 ″ W.