This is Havana’s oldest fortress; the original, built on the site by Hernando de Soto to protect the port, was constructed in 1538. This is the New World’s second most ancient castle and now serves as the Museum of Arms, with many fine exhibits. It also houses the nerve centre of UNESCO’s building preservation force, currently restoring the glorious heritage of Old Havana. On the turret of what is now the new fort (the old one was destroyed by fire in 1555 by the French pirate Jaques de Sores) is the symbol of the city. ‘La Isabel de Bobadilla de la Habana’ is a once golden, bronze statuette replica of the one stolen by English naval officers in 1762. Often referred to as ‘La Giraldilla’, this representation of Hernando de Soto’s wife faces the port across the massive stone walls of the 900 square metre extension to the fort. Its image has been adopted as the logo for Havana Club Rum. On entering the fort notice the many fine cannon in the court- yard, the deep moat and drawbridge, and  the 1579 coat of arms above the entrance, carved in Seville.