Chorrera Tower

Chorrera Tower, locally known as Torreón de la Chorrera, is situated in the city of Havana on Cuba. It lies west of the old town at the mouth of the Almendares river which was formerly known as the La Chorrera river. Its full name is Torreón de Santa Dorotea de Luna de la Chorrera.

The history of Chorrera Tower is closely linked with that of Cojímar Tower.

The idea of fortifying the mouths of the La Chorrera and Cojímar rivers, west and east of the old town of Havana, dates from the early 17th century when Governor Don Pedro Valdés announced this project to the Spanish Crown to protect the town of Havana against possible English attacks. But when the war with England ended, the project was abandoned.

In 1633 the Captain-general Marquess de Cadereyta and Admiral Carlos de Ibarra came to Havana to inspect the state of the fortresses of La Fuerza, La Punta and El Morro. Both recommended the building of both Chorrera and Cojímar Tower because the sites at the mouth of these rivers were ideal to prevent enemy landings, especially by the Dutch. Troops landing there could surprise the defense of Havana because the 3 fortresses could not cover these points.

Governor Francisco Riaño Gamboa was ordered, in 1635, by royal decree to build Chorrera and Cojímar Tower. But building didn't start until 1646 when the fear of an attack by the Dutch, who were imposing their naval power in the American seas, and Portuguese hurried construction by his successor Don Álvaro de Luna y Sarmiento.

In 1762, several English ships anchored in the mouth of the La Chorrera river in need of drinking water. From there they fired their cannons into Chorrera Tower, leaving it almost completely destroyed.

Later the tower was rebuilt in a rectangle-shaped casemated battery with two floors. It was armed with 4 heavy cannons and 2 lighter ones. It was manned by a garrison of 28 soldiers.

I was told that at present the tower houses a well-known restaurant. However it was closed when I visited and I was not allowed entry. But nevertheless a nice building.

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Chorrera Tower

Chorrera Tower, locally known as Torreón de la Chorrera, is situated in the city of Havana on Cuba. It lies west of the old town at the mouth of the Almendares river which was formerly known as the La Chorrera river. Its full name is Torreón de Santa Dorotea de Luna de la Chorrera.

The history of Chorrera Tower is closely linked with that of Cojímar Tower.

The idea of fortifying the mouths of the La Chorrera and Cojímar rivers, west and east of the old town of Havana, dates from the early 17th century when Governor Don Pedro Valdés announced this project to the Spanish Crown to protect the town of Havana against possible English attacks. But when the war with England ended, the project was abandoned.

In 1633 the Captain-general Marquess de Cadereyta and Admiral Carlos de Ibarra came to Havana to inspect the state of the fortresses of La Fuerza, La Punta and El Morro. Both recommended the building of both Chorrera and Cojímar Tower because the sites at the mouth of these rivers were ideal to prevent enemy landings, especially by the Dutch. Troops landing there could surprise the defense of Havana because the 3 fortresses could not cover these points.

Governor Francisco Riaño Gamboa was ordered, in 1635, by royal decree to build Chorrera and Cojímar Tower. But building didn't start until 1646 when the fear of an attack by the Dutch, who were imposing their naval power in the American seas, and Portuguese hurried construction by his successor Don Álvaro de Luna y Sarmiento.

In 1762, several English ships anchored in the mouth of the La Chorrera river in need of drinking water. From there they fired their cannons into Chorrera Tower, leaving it almost completely destroyed.

Later the tower was rebuilt in a rectangle-shaped casemated battery with two floors. It was armed with 4 heavy cannons and 2 lighter ones. It was manned by a garrison of 28 soldiers.

I was told that at present the tower houses a well-known restaurant. However it was closed when I visited and I was not allowed entry. But nevertheless a nice building.

Gallery

Details
Hits: 7869