Emblematic fortress museum of eastern Cuban city analyzes information for its visitors

SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba, Apr 12 (ACN) The historical graffiti of the San Pedro de la Roca Castle Museum motivate investigations of the archeology department of the Office of the City Conservator, in Santiago de Cuba, to expand the information to visitors of that place.

The young archeologists Pedro Alain Veiga, Damian Infante and Jose del Valle, who started with the cartographic analysis of the constructive evolution of the fortress, built by military engineers in the 17th century at the entrance channel of Santiago's bay, were enthusiastic about investigating the graphic representations of this World Heritage Site since 1997.

Veiga, head of the department, told the Cuban News Agency that for this work they used a novel methodology in the country, supported by technology implemented in architectural projects, and a detailed photographic survey to record all the existing drawings and the typology of each one.
Naval patterns such as four brigantines from the 16th century, schooners, frigates, corvettes, ships of the line and others dating back to the 19th century appear, he said.

According to him, the cartographic review began with an engraving from 1651, considered the oldest to date, and refers to the entrance of the bay, but its main element is the San Pedro de la Roca Castle, also known as Castillo del Morro.

The analysis of these graffiti indicates they were made by young soldiers who used to express their desires in this way in stressful situations, during their rest time or to leave a mark, the expert explained.

The San Pedro de la Roca fortress operated as a prison during the liberation wars of the 19th century and the moat, where the largest number of graffiti appears, was not used for such purposes.

It is one of the most visited places by nationals and foreigners in Santiago de Cuba, it has been declared a World Heritage Site for 25 years, according to the declaration of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.