Quick comparison
| Feature | Fortaleza San Felipe | Fortaleza Ozama |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Puerto Plata, north coast | Santo Domingo, south coast |
| Built | 1564 to 1577 | 1502 to 1508 |
| Entry | About 100 RD$ (USD 2-3) | About 100 RD$ (USD 2-3) |
| UNESCO | No (national monument) | Yes, part of Zona Colonial |
| Visit length | 45-60 min | 60-90 min |
| Famous prisoner | Maximo Gomez | Many Trujillo opponents |
| Tower | Bastion walls | Torre del Homenaje (Tower of Homage) |
Fortaleza San Felipe at a glance
Compact coral-stone fortress on a rocky outcrop, dominating the western end of the Puerto Plata Malecon. 360 degree Atlantic views. Small museum, the Maximo Gomez cell, original cannons. Easy 45 to 60 minute visit, naturally combined with the Amber Museum and Malecon walk.
Fortaleza Ozama at a glance
Much larger complex on the Ozama river inside the UNESCO-listed Colonial City of Santo Domingo. The Torre del Homenaje is a 15th to 16th century stone keep. Deeper rabbit-hole of colonial history. 60 to 90 minute visit, easily extended with a half-day Zona Colonial walking tour.
Which to choose
Staying on the North Coast (Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cabarete, Playa Dorada)? Go to Fortaleza San Felipe. Staying in Santo Domingo or the south? Visit Fortaleza Ozama. Both are worth a stop if you have the time and transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Fortaleza Ozama in Santo Domingo is older. It was started in 1502, six decades before San Felipe (1564 to 1577). Ozama is the oldest European military structure in the Americas in any form, while San Felipe is the oldest still in continuous military use.
Yes. Fortaleza Ozama is part of the Colonial City of Santo Domingo, inscribed by UNESCO in 1990. Fortaleza San Felipe in Puerto Plata is a Dominican national monument but not UNESCO.
Yes, but they are 3.5 hours apart. Most travellers pick one based on where they are staying. Puerto Plata cruise passengers and North Coast all-inclusive guests visit San Felipe. Santo Domingo visitors and southern resort guests visit Ozama.
