Fortaleza San Luís

Built in the early 19th century, this yellow-toned fortress has a beautiful, ornate exterior gate with two cannons facing the city. A key defense post during the War of Restoration, US Marines also used the fort as a base during the first US occupation of the DR (1916-1924). Inside the compound you’ll see multiple cannons, army tanks on display, as well as the statues of Dominican independence heroes and other important historical figures throughout the yard. The fortress served as a prison in later years. A small museum opened in 2005, and displays numerous Taino artifacts and cultural items, as well as paintings, period swords, and photographs of the US occupation at the fort.