San Felipe de Barajas Fort

Historical landmark · Cartagena

San Felipe de Barajas Fort

Historical landmark · Cartagena

Cielo mar, La Boquilla, Cartagena, Cartagena Province, Bolivar, Colombia

Highlights

Perched atop a hill, this 1600s fortress offers a captivating maze of tunnels and stunning views of Cartagena, best explored with a guided tour.

Cielo mar, La Boquilla, Cartagena, Cartagena Province, Bolivar, Colombia Get directions

fortificacionescartagena.com.co

@travelleisure

"Cartagena boasts a walled old city with colorful buildings and lively squares. Enjoy Caribbean beaches and the vibrant local culture." - Anne Olivia Bauso Anne Olivia Bauso Anne Olivia Bauso is a travel writer and hotel expert based in New York City. She has written hundreds of hotel reviews, from 5-star Ritz-Carlton properties to treehouse eco-resorts in the

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"A beautiful coastal city in Colombia known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning colonial architecture." - Nneya Richards Nneya Richards Nneya Richards is a New York City-based fashion and travel writer and public speaker. She is a frequent contributor to publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, and PopSugar, and

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@afar

"Castillo San Felipe de Barajas A short walk from the city sits imposing Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, covering almost the whole of San Lázaro Hill, 135 feet above sea level. The castillo bit is something of a misnomer, as the structure is not technically a castle but a fort; it happens to be one of the most impressive the Spanish ever built, resisting a number of land and sea attacks. Allegedly its tunnel system was engineered so that the slightest sound anywhere within it would reverberate a warning of approaching danger or attempted escape. Audio guides, available in English, Spanish, and other languages, recount the full story. The castle also happens to be one of the best spots in the city from which to watch the sunset. By Travesías"

Essential Guide to Cartagena

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Frederick Schroeder

Google

Feels surreal to be able to visit this impressive and well-preserved fort mere blocks outside of the walled city! Enjoy fabulous views, explore some seriously creepy and claustrophobic tunnels- just make sure to bring sunscreen and a hat! Didn't feel a tour was necessary as there was plenty of signage scattered around.

MA TM

Google

Stunning castle built by the Spanish empire beginning in the mid 1600s, the largest European castle outside of Europe. It’s in great shape and taking a tour of this place is a must do while in Cartagena.

Andrea Rhoades

Google

No wait getting in, nice views from the top. Very informative signage throughout. Cool to walk through the tunnels. Would recommend stopping in.

Lex Emyouesti

Google

As I checked, everything was already said: it's too steep, the best place for photos, and so on. It's definitely worth a short visit while in town. The rest is just a personal decision based on how much time you want to give, not to mention you have to pay for it, but that would not be an issue for anyone who came all the way here.

Sachin Thakur

Google

Highly recommend getting a tour guide when visiting. You could walk around the fort not knowing what is the significance of the difference pathways and room. Definitely a must to visit when visiting Cartagena. It holds a significant importance in the history of Cartagena.

Yisel Matos

Google

Walking up the castle was a workout but well worth it! Rich historical site; worth having a guided tour. Drink plenty of water. Amazing views!

MUSEUM HAUS

Google

Best view of Cartagena. The walk upwards is not as bad as some say, if I scroll through the reviews. Yes, sunscreen is a thing. Best to go for a guided tour as information is limited if you only read the signs. The restrooms are well maintained, as is the whole fort. At the top there is a small shop and on your way up there are some vendors with water/heads/caps/shirts etc.

Anwen Gorry

Google

Felt expensive for what it is - $36mil COP pp at the time of writing. Took around 45 minutes to thoroughly explore. The fort has nice views of the down town area - not really the Centro historico. The written information is limited focusing on the construction/ architecture of the building rather than the stories of the people involved in building it (mainly enslaved people) or of defending it over the years. You may get more information if you hire a guide - not included in the entry price. It’s a bit of a hike from the walled city in the hot sun and little shade when you arrive (apart from in the dark tunnels!) It closes at 6pm which in February is before the sun sets. So not recommended as a sunset location - certainly at this time of year…