Campeche, Mexico - A Beautiful Colonial City

For tourists who want to see the grand colonial past of Mexico, one of the most ideal places to visit is the city of Campeche. This place, which is located about two-hour drive from Merida, has maintained its fortresses that have been transformed into museums. Meanwhile, the city also has a main plaza which is ideal for a quiet walk, grand churches, and palaces.

Just like any colonial city in Mexico, Campeche’s buildings and structures exude the grandeur of the past.

The city, located about two-hour drive from Merida’s Mayan ruins, is usually visited by tourists who want to see the grand colonial structures.

Nuestra Señora de la Soledad

This fortress was built in 1690 by the Spanish ruler to protect the nearby Puerta del Mal. In the 1700s, this place had 14 cannons and rooms full of artillery and was considered as the biggest defensive system in the city.

Today, there is the Stella Museum inside the fortress that displays an extensive collection of Mayan relics and sculpture.

San Carlos Fortress

This defensive structure was named after King Carlos II of Spain. Inside the fortress, visitors can see the labyrinth of rooms that were used as a prison cell and storage for artillery.

Meanwhile, a part of San Carlos has been transformed into a museum where visitors can learn the importance of fortresses in Campeche during the Spanish Era.

La Casa 6

This beautiful structure, located in the city’s main square, is an 18th century house which has a Moorish architectural design and ornate patterns.

Today, this house is opened to the public (entrance is free) and displays an extensive collection of antique furniture which date back during the 1800s.

Santiago Fortress

A fortress during the Spanish Era, this has been transformed into a botanical garden that contains hundreds of species of flora and towering trees. Because of its romantic ambience, Santiago Fortress is also ideal for a quiet walk.

The Fort of San Miguel

This is the city’s outer defense system that protected Campeche during the Spanish period until the end of 18th century.

Inside this fortress lies the Campeche Regional Museum which displays an extensive collection of pre-Spanish and colonial artifacts.

&Land Gate

Considered by the locals as an important symbol of the city, this inland gate was built in 1732 by the colonizers. Inside the structure, visitors can see the well-preserved rooms which were used as a storage area for artillery.

The Fort of San Miguel el Alto

This fort is an outer defense system that was used to protect the city from outside invaders and pirates.

Today, this fortress has been transformed into a museum that exhibits war ships and artillery used during the Colonial Era.
 

 

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