Los Baluartes: The Old City Wall
Address:
Description:
Unique among Mexican cities today, Campeche's Historic Center is still surrounded by the remains of a 2,560 meter-long defensive wall. Eight bastions, or baluartes, were constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries to protect the city, its citizens and riches from frequent attacks by French, English, Dutch and Portuguese pirates. Seven bastions and two gates remain standing today.Named for the patron saint of sailors, Baluarte Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is the largest of Campeche's bastions. Today, it houses the remarkable collection of the Museum of Mayan Stele. Protected by the Soledad and San Carlos bastions, the Puerta del Mar, or Sea Gate, was the city wall's lone opening to the sea. One of the first bastions constructed, Baluarte San Carlos now houses the city museum. An armored knight on horseback greets you as you enter the exhibit. Protecting Campeche's western wall, Baluarte Santa Rosa is named for the first American saint, St. Rose of Lima (Peru). Exhibitions of painting and folk art are held here. The smallest of Campeche's bastions at 764 square meters, Baluarte de San Juan, protected the Puerta del Tierra. Outside, flying buttresses support the wall and a bell tower.
The Puerta de la Tierra was the main entrance to Campeche from the countryside. Built in 1732, this original fortification contains a museum of weaponry. The rebuilt Baluarte San Francisco was originally constructed between 1686 and 1690. It houses an auditorium and the Gustavo Martínez Alomia Library of archeology, history and anthropology. A tourist information center, Artisan Museum and El Polvorin Cultural Center today occupy Baluarte San Pedro. Completed in 1702 it formerly served as a prison. The hexagonal-shaped Baluarte Santiago was reconstructed in 1957. Contained within its walls is the Xmuch Haltun Botanical Garden and its 250 species of tropical plants.
Additional information about the Baluartes:
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, unless otherwise noted
Nuestra Señora de la Soledad: Puerta de la Mar: Calle 8 and 59
Baluarte San Carlos: Calles 8, between Calles 63 and 65. MX$25/US$2.50
Santa Rosa: Circuito Baluartes and Calle 14.
Baluarte San Francisco: Calle 18 and Circuito Baluartes. (MX$20/US$2-includes San Jaun)
Puerta de la Tierra: Calles 59 and 18.
Baluarte San Juan: Calle 18 and Circuito Baluartes. (MX$20/US$2-includes San Francisco)
Baluarte San Pedro: Calle 49 and Circuito Baluartes. Daily, 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
Baluarte Santiago: Calle 8 and Circuito Baluartes. Daily, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Guided tours. MX$10/US$1
