Explore the grounds of this imposing 60-foot-tall (18-meter) Medieval-style castle on your own or with the help of a guide, who can provide crucial historical context. A climb to the top of the Tower of Homage (Torre del Homenaje), which served as a prison until the 20th century, offers panoramic city views, while the powder house and cannons reflect the fort’s important military role. Guided city tours of Santo Domingo and day trips from Punta Cana typically stop at Ozama Fort (Fortaleza Ozama).
The site is also referred to as "La Fortaleza" or "The Fortress."
The bronze statue in front of the building depicts Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo, who was in charge of the fortress during the 1500s.
There is a nominal entrance fee to the fort.
Ozama Fort is located at the end of Calle de las Damas, where the Ozama River runs into the Caribbean Sea. The center of Santo Domingo is a little over two hours away from Punta Cana by car. Day trips from there usually include round-trip transport. The city’s Colonial Zone is easily accessible by foot.
The fort is open daily from morning until late afternoon, except on Thursdays, Sundays, and Mondays. In general, the best time to visit Santo Domingo is between November and March. That’s when you’ll enjoy the most pleasant weather. Keep in mind that hurricane season runs from August to October, so it’s best to avoid traveling there during that time.
One of the most popular destinations in the Dominican Republic, the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo—the central neighborhood that’s the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the Americas—offers a look at the island’s past and its present-day culture. It’s home to historical highlights such as Catedral Primada de America, Alcazar de Colon, and Ozama Fort, plus plenty of hotels, bars, and restaurants.