If you like mystery, you'll love Castillo de San Cristóbal. Many Puerto Ricans believe it is haunted. Home to La Garita del Diablo (The Devil's Turret or Devil’s Watchtower), San Cristóbal is said to be a place where soldiers vanished. During the night watch, Spanish soldiers would call out phrases, such as 'Alert!' down the wall to let each other know they were still awake. It’s said that when it became the turn of soldiers stationed in this particular garita, often times they would not answer or call out, and when men went to check on the soldiers, there was only an empty room.
Fort San Felipe del Morro, the oldest fortification in the park, has been standing watch at the entrance to San Juan harbor since construction began in 1539. The fort underwent nearly continuous improvement and renovation during the 400 years that varying world powers garrisoned troops there. With walls that are nearly 20 feet thick, a lighthouse, six levels, turrets (garitas), and a reported area of over 70 acres during its heyday, the structure was an imposing force in the West Indies. Thanks to its gargantuan proportions, the Spaniards did not have to build another fortification (or castillo) to protect San Juan for over a hundred years. -Source from National Parks Traveler.
Fort San Felipe del Morro, the oldest fortification in the park, has been standing watch at the entrance to San Juan harbor since construction began in 1539. The fort underwent nearly continuous improvement and renovation during the 400 years that varying world powers garrisoned troops there. With walls that are nearly 20 feet thick, a lighthouse, six levels, turrets (garitas), and a reported area of over 70 acres during its heyday, the structure was an imposing force in the West Indies. Thanks to its gargantuan proportions, the Spaniards did not have to build another fortification (or castillo) to protect San Juan for over a hundred years. -Source from National Parks Traveler.
I was born in San Juan Puerto Rico and visiting the fort as a kid was magical. The castle is so huge and has secret passages and corridors, even some that are off limits to visitors. I never knew about tales of it being haunted growing up but now keep hearing more and more reports of ghosts and strange happenings at this location. I loved the fort so much I chose it as the place to propose to my wife and knowing now that it might be haunted doesn't change the way I feel about it, if anything I'm more intrigued :) But I've been here so many times in the past and never felt or saw anything paranormal. Maybe the spooks only come out at night since most if not all reports happen in the evening hours when the fort is closed. There is also a light house on the location where people hear moaning and see apparitions moving around it, also yellow orbs that hover above the ground are reported. In the long history of El Morro many soldiers died defending it and these same soldiers are seen walking and guarding the fort even in death.
I would like to add that there is a cemetery right next to the fort in old San Juan Puerto Rico. Are some of the sprits buried here the reason for the ghost sightings and orbs? Here's some info about the cemetery:
Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is a colonial-era cemetery located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is the final resting place of many of Puerto Rico's most prominent natives and residents. Construction began in 1863 under the auspices of Ignacio Mascaro. The cemetery is located outside the walls of Fort San Felipe del Morro fortress, one of the island's most famous landmarks. The average height of the wall is 40 feet and the width ranges from 15 to 20 feet. It was named in honor of Saint Maria Magdalena de Pazzi.
According to Rafael Rodríguez, Chaplain and director of pastoral services at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón located in the Santurce district of the capital, the location of the cemetery is central to the Puerto Rican belief in the separation of death and life. The colonial Spanish government at the time construction of the cemetery commenced, viewed death with fear because it was a mystery. Therefore, they decided to build the cemetery to overlook the Atlantic Ocean to symbolize the spirit's journey to cross over to the afterlife.
I would like to add that there is a cemetery right next to the fort in old San Juan Puerto Rico. Are some of the sprits buried here the reason for the ghost sightings and orbs? Here's some info about the cemetery:
Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is a colonial-era cemetery located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is the final resting place of many of Puerto Rico's most prominent natives and residents. Construction began in 1863 under the auspices of Ignacio Mascaro. The cemetery is located outside the walls of Fort San Felipe del Morro fortress, one of the island's most famous landmarks. The average height of the wall is 40 feet and the width ranges from 15 to 20 feet. It was named in honor of Saint Maria Magdalena de Pazzi.
According to Rafael Rodríguez, Chaplain and director of pastoral services at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón located in the Santurce district of the capital, the location of the cemetery is central to the Puerto Rican belief in the separation of death and life. The colonial Spanish government at the time construction of the cemetery commenced, viewed death with fear because it was a mystery. Therefore, they decided to build the cemetery to overlook the Atlantic Ocean to symbolize the spirit's journey to cross over to the afterlife.