Fortin Conde de Mirasol
The Last Spanish Fort Built in the Americas
We invite you to make Fortin Conde de Mirasol your first stop when you visit the island, we know you’re in a hurry to get to the beach, but if you want to make a connection with Vieques, you must first get to know it’s past. Fortin Conde de Mirasol is administered by the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture (ICP). Robert Rabin is one of the most knowledgable people in Vieques when it comes to history and director of the fort.
El Fortin Conde de Mirasol was built between 1845 and 1855. “El Fortin” (The fort) is the best place on the island to learn about the island’s history.
The Colonial style restored building houses a beautiful art gallery and a nice collection of indigenous artifacts. El Fortin also features a meeting room that can accommodate a little over 100 guests.
You’ll be greeted by friendly staff, who sit at a table with a great collection of books available for purchase about the history of Vieques as well as unique colorful children’s books. Mr. Rabin will most likely come out and greet you, he treats every visitor like a friend and is always happy to answer questions. Mr. Rabin has done a marvelous job with the El Fortin and is one of the most active individuals in the community. The outdoor part of the fort showcases parts of the walls built to help protect the island as well as a few canons.
As you walk around El Fortin you’ll enjoy some of the best views on the island. From here you can see the colorful architecture of Isabel II contrasted by the deep blues of the Atlantic Ocean and lush green flora that covers the island. The scenic views include the main island of Puerto Rico and the sister island of Culebra.
If you want a souvenir from your visit, Fortin Conde de Mirasol has a wonderful gift shop with many interesting items for sale. Here you’ll find the best selection of books for sale about the history of Vieques, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean’s past, children’s books and more. Please help support the fort by making your souvenir purchases here.
A beautiful small garden was created along the old fort walls, a nice place for taking photographs.
Entry Fee & Hours
- Entry Fee: Entry to the museum is free, but a donation is greatly appreciated.
- Hours: Wednesday – Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tours of El Fortin Conde de Mirasol
Call the following number to arrange a tour of the exhibit rooms and a talk about the history of the fort.Mr. Roberto Rabin, curator and Museum Director will be happy to arrange a special visit that covers specific topics such as history, archeology, African slavery, the sugar industry, Danish, British, French influences, the military presence on Vieques, among other topics – can arrange for the presentation of a slide show/talk during their visit to the Fort.
Museum Fort Count Mirasol
Magnolia 471 Vieques, Puerto Rico 00765
Telefax (787) 741-1717
For information call 741-1717
Don’t miss the forts in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We highly recommend you spend two days in Old San Juan and then head over to Vieques. Go back 5 centuries ago in Old San Juan and then come experience the Caribbean of the past in Vieques.