Puerta de Tierra

The Puerta de Tierra, in Campeche

The Puerta de Tierra is one of the two historic gates still standing of the fortified town of Campeche, inscribed in the world heritage of UNESCO. The Campeche audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this monumental gate of 1732, a strategic land entrance between two bastions, whose parapet walk offers a panoramic view of the old town and that hosts every weekend the sound and light show "El Lugar del Sol".

History

The Puerta de Tierra is one of the two historic gates still standing of the fortified town of Campeche, inscribed in the world heritage of UNESCO. Located in the south of the city, it links the Baluarte de San Francisco and the Baluarte de San Juan, forming a strategic land entrance. Built in 1732 by Antonio de Figueroa y Silva, this monumental gate presents an impressive architecture, with a great door of jabín wood and elements of defence like a moat of three metres and battlements for cannons. Every weekend, the sound and light show "El Lugar del Sol" recreates there the atmosphere of the colonial period, with battles against pirates and scenes of the daily life of the eighteenth century, in a magical ambience at sunset. You can also climb on the parapet walk to enjoy a panoramic view of the old town and the surroundings. Permanent exhibitions tell there the history of the city, with historic objects like replicas of Spanish weapons and a bronze cannon of French origin. A symbol of Campeche, the Puerta de Tierra is one of the most important monuments of the defence of the city.

What to see

Here you discover one of the two gates still standing of the fortified town, classified by UNESCO, built in 1732 between two bastions, with its great wooden door, its moat and its battlements; you climb on the parapet walk for the panoramic view, and every weekend the show "El Lugar del Sol" brings back to life the struggle against pirates. The Puerta de Tierra is a symbol of Campeche. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Puerta de Tierra stands in the south of the historic centre of Campeche, between the bastions of San Francisco and San Juan, reachable on foot. The visit is paying; the show "El Lugar del Sol" takes place in the evening, generally at the weekend, according to a programme that varies. It is best to enquire before coming.

What is the Puerta de Tierra in Campeche?

It is one of the two historic gates still standing of the fortified town of Campeche, classified by UNESCO; built in 1732 between the bastions of San Francisco and San Juan, this monumental land entrance has a great wooden door, a moat and battlements, and hosts the sound and light show "El Lugar del Sol" as well as exhibitions on the history of the city.

Where is the Puerta de Tierra in Campeche?

In the south of the historic centre of Campeche, between the bastions of San Francisco and San Juan, in Mexico.