Cojímar Tower

The Cojímar Tower, locally known as Torreón de Cojímar, is located on the seafront in the village of Cojímar, Cuba. It is east of Havana’s old town at the mouth of the Cojímar River.

The history of Cojímar Tower is closely connected to that of Chorrera Tower.

The idea of fortifying the mouths of the La Chorrera and Cojímar rivers, situated west and east of Havana's historic center, dates back to the early 17th century. Governor Don Pedro Valdés proposed this project to the Spanish Crown to defend Havana from potential English attacks. However, after the war with England ended, the project was abandoned.

In 1633, Captain-General Marquess de Cadereyta and Admiral Carlos de Ibarra visited Havana to assess the condition of the forts La Real Fuerza, La Punta, and El Morro. They both recommended building the Chorrera and Cojímar Towers because these locations at the river mouths were ideal for preventing enemy landings, especially by the Dutch. Troops landing there could surprise Havana's defenses, as the three main fortresses couldn’t cover these points.

Governor Francisco Riaño Gamboa was ordered in 1635 by royal decree to build the towers. Construction did not begin until 1646, prompted by fears of Dutch attacks, who were asserting naval dominance in American waters, and by the efforts of his successor, Don Álvaro de Luna y Sarmiento.

Today, the Cojímar Tower is used by some military or police forces, so it is not open to the public. But it’s a beautiful tower! The village is also known as the harbor from which Hemingway set out on his boat to fish.

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