San Felipe de Barajas Castle

The San Felipe de Barajas Castle, in Cartagena

The San Felipe de Barajas Castle is the largest Spanish colonial fortress of the Americas, dominating Cartagena de Indias. The Cartagena audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this imposing military work, a symbol of the defence of the city.

The largest colonial fortress of the Americas

Perched on a hill dominating Cartagena de Indias, the San Felipe de Barajas Castle is the largest and most imposing fortress built by the Spanish in their American colonies. Built and enlarged over the centuries to protect the city, a coveted strategic port, from the attacks of pirates and enemy fleets, it deploys an ingenious network of walls, bastions, ramps and underground galleries. A witness of the battles that marked the colonial history, it offers from its heights a panoramic view over the city and the bay. It is one of the most emblematic monuments of Cartagena.

What to see

Here you walk through the walls, the bastions, the ramps and the network of underground galleries of the imposing fortress, with a panoramic view over the city and the bay. The San Felipe de Barajas Castle is the largest colonial fortress of the Americas. It is a major stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The San Felipe de Barajas Castle lies on a hill dominating Cartagena de Indias, reachable on foot by a climb and by public transport. The visit has a fee and follows its own hours, which vary. It is best to bring water and sun protection, and to enjoy the panorama.

Why is the San Felipe de Barajas Castle famous?

Because it is the largest Spanish colonial fortress of the Americas, built to defend Cartagena from pirates and enemy fleets, with its walls, bastions and underground galleries.

Where is the San Felipe de Barajas Castle?

On a hill dominating Cartagena de Indias, in Colombia.