San Felipe de Barajas Fort — Attraction in Cartagena

Nestled in the heart of Cartagena, the San Felipe de Barajas Fort is an architectural gem steeped in history. As an avid traveler, I was drawn to this fortress by its rich heritage and stunning panoramic views. From the moment I stepped foot inside, I was transported back in time to an era of colonial intrigue and maritime conquest.

The sheer scale of the fortifications is awe-inspiring, a testament to the ingenuity and determination of its builders. Exploring the labyrinthine tunnels and ramparts, I couldn't help but marvel at the strategic prowess that went into its design. The interactive exhibits dotted throughout the site provided valuable insights into its military significance and the stories of those who defended it.

One of the highlights of my visit was ascending to the highest point of the fort, where I was rewarded with breathtaking views of Cartagena's skyline and the shimmering Caribbean Sea beyond. It's a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts or anyone simply looking to soak in the beauty of their surroundings.

The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share anecdotes and answer any questions I had about the fort's history. Additionally, the well-maintained grounds and facilities ensured a comfortable and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.

Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone in search of unforgettable vistas, the San Felipe de Barajas Fort is a must-visit destination in Cartagena. I can't recommend it highly enough – be sure to add it to your itinerary when exploring this...

A must see when visit Cartagena. This fort stand tall above the city. Make sure to have water with you as there is no vendors allowed inside the fort. It's also no ideal for the elderly and disabled people. The climbing is steep and somewhat difficult, especially on hot days. Tickets cost $8.00 and you don't have to take a tour guide if you read about it before your visit. Here is the summary for you... "One of the finest examples of Spanish military engineering in the New World, the San Felipe de Barajas Castle was built and rebuilt over a 200-year period, beginning shortly after the founding of Cartagena in 1533.

The first building phase was carried out just 3 years after Cartagena’s foundation in 1536. It was then significantly extended 121 years later in 1657. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas underwent a third major extension and restoration in 1763.

During its colorful history, the castle defended Cartagena against numerous pirates attempting to seize some of the New World treasures destined for Spain.

In 1697 it fell on an attack by the French. In 1741 when the British army attacked Cartagena, San Felipe de Barajas was defended by the famous Spanish admiral Blas de Lezo.

The features of the castle include vantage points for artillery, underground galleries, and gunpowder warehouses. The castle also contains numerous tunnels that were used to distribute provisions and...

El Castillo de San Felipe is a pretty nice and cool place to visit, but for 35 000 pesos(about 17$ CAD) i find it a little overpriced. Once you get in you are basically on your own, unless you want to pay 80 000 pesos(around 40$ CAD) for a guided tour in spanish. The thing that bothers me is that this place has so much history and they are not able to take time and add a few things to make it look how it was occupied by the military to defend Cartagena. Add a few military costumes and props or something lol. It's pretty cool to walk around it but aside for a small boutique and some canons located on top of the castle/fort there isn't much to see. The view is spectacular but in my opinion they should invest a little and make it interesting for people to go and visit the place. In Canada, you can visit many forts and almost all of them have what i mentioned. They even have people dressed with the costumes that the soldiers wore back in those days and i find that pretty cool to see. I still recommend people to go and see it if they love history like i do, but if you are not that crazy about it just walk around the castle and take a few pictures since that's...