- Address: Cra. 17, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
- Opening hours: 08: 00-18: 00
The Colombian city of Cartagena has an ancient fortress called Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is considered one of the country's 7 wonders.
History of the fort
The Colombian city of Cartagena has an ancient fortress called Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is considered one of the country's 7 wonders.
History of the fort
To build a landmark began in 1536. The construction was mainly done by black slaves, who used a stone and a solution of bovine blood for this purpose. In the 17th century, under the direction of the architect Antonio de Arevalo, the fortification was renewed. Work was carried out for 7 years (1762-1769).
San Felipe de Barajas was a bastion built in the form of a labyrinth, with 8 guns, 4 artillerymen and 20 soldiers. It was rather difficult to get out of here. In 1741, the first battle took place between the Spaniards and the British, during which the shell hit the wall and got stuck in it. It can be seen today.
At the beginning of the XIX century the territory of the military fortification was expanded, while the external appearance of the fort remained practically unchanged. Here they equipped:
- warehouses for food, calculated for several months of siege;
- The barracks, which housed 350 soldiers;
- 63 guns;
- weapons facilities;
- a complex system of underground passages.
Its name was given to the citadel in honor of the Spanish King Philip the Fourth. In all of this, the structure was in the hands of the French for 42 years. After the end of hostilities, they forgot about the fortress and stopped using it.
Over time, the territory of the complex began to overgrow with grass, and the walls and ceilings of underground tunnels began to collapse. This happened until 1984, until the fort was discovered by international organizations.
Description of sight
The citadel has a decent age, but it is perfectly preserved to this day. San Felipe de Barajas is located in the historic part of the city on the hill of San Lazaro. The fortress towers over the settlement at an altitude of 25 m.
It looks pretty impressive and is considered the most impregnable of all the strongholds built during the Spanish colonization. The base of the main building of the complex is 300 m long and the width is 100 m. Admiral Blas de Leso's sculpture was erected in front of the entrance to the fortress.
What to do in the area of San Felipe de Barajas?
During the tour of the fort you will be able to:
- visit the museum of fortification - he tells about the history of the fortress and the heavy days of the siege, which took place over several centuries, as well as the life and way of life of the population;
- to purchase unique souvenirs dedicated to the military events of Colombia ;
- watch a video about the construction of the citadel;
- Walk through the narrow tunnels of the fortress, which still preserve the memory of the old times.
Cultural events, meetings of public and political organizations often take place on the territory of the fort.
Features of visit
Visit the fortress of San Felipe de Barajas every day from 08:00 to 18:00. By the way, the museum closes at 17:00. The price of admission ticket is $ 5. For an additional fee, you can hire a guide or rent an audio guide.
Come to the fortress is best to discover, at this time is not so crowded and there is no exhausting heat. To fully view the fort and take photos, you will need at least 2 hours. Do not forget to bring along drinking water, hats and sunscreen.
How to get there?
From the center of Cartagena, you can get to the fortress of San Felipe de Barajas through the streets of Cr. De La Cordialidad, Cl. 29 or Av. Pedro De Heredia. The distance is about 10 km.