Fortaleza de Santa Barbara

Imposing its iron fist from its elevated point in the center of town is the Fortaleza de Santa Barbara, a Spanish colonial fortress that was erected to help defend Trujillo Bay from pirate attacks. The 17th-century fort, which was renovated in 2005, was reportedly much bigger centuries ago and extended all the way down to the beachfront. Today you will find a vast outline of stone walls with moss growing through the cracks and a couple of small buildings. A row of iron cannons point out toward the water below and, if you've drunk plenty of guifitty (a Garífuna moonshine), incoming buccaneers. There is a small museum within the fortress with a collection of colonial items, muskets, pirate relics, naval memorabilia, and Garífuna masks.

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