The Ozama Fortress was next. Because the Spanish fort was closed on Mondays, people were only allowed to wander around the medieval ruins after a brief description. The citadel was built in 1508 to defend against French and British conquerors, pirates and the indigenous Taíno people. The 59-foot Tower of Homage was added the following year. Torre del Homenaje became the temporary residence of Diego Columbus (Christopher’s eldest son) when he arrived in 1509 as governor of the Indies. Ozama Fortress was a prison for most of the ensuing 500 years.
