San Fernando Fortress is one of the most famous icons in Honduras and the largest Spanish fort in Central America. Located in Omoa on the north shore, this massive stone structure has seen the country through nearly three centuries of history.
The fortress was originally built to protect the coast from pirates, who attacked silver-carrying ships bound for Spain. By the time the fortress was completed, however, these pirates were no longer a threat. San Fernando Fortress actually consists of two forts standing side by side. They were constructed between 1752 and 1775 by the Spanish. You can see both structures, in varying states of preservation, standing today.
After Honduras gained independence in 1821, the local government took over the fortress. It was used as a prison until 1959. Today, it is managed by the Honduran Institute of Archaeology and History and is a National Monument open to the public.
Explore the fort and its sprawling grounds, which cover 5,262 square yards (4,400 square meters). As you enter the fortress, observe the well-preserved Spanish Royal Coat of Arms. Walk past wild green gardens and austere stone walls and imagine a time when pirates plagued the Caribbean. The walls of the fortress are made from coral and limestone and are quite attractive.
Discover more about the history of the fortress and the city of Omoa at the on-site museum. Here, you can read information about the region’s past or take a guided tour. Learn about the history of Columbus’s colonization efforts in Honduras and the resulting trans-Atlantic trade routes that shaped the country. See the swords and cannons that defended the fort in the artillery hall.
San Fernando Fortress is open every day. There is a small fee to enter the site and museum. You can easily reach Omoa’s shops, restaurants and hotels by foot from the fort. Several beaches and other coastal towns are just a short drive away.
