Overview:

San Felipe de Barajas Castle - also known as Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas - is a Spanish military fortress located on a hill that overlooks the city of Cartagena in Colombia. Constructed in the 16th century, the defensive structure was designed to protect the port city from attack by enemies both on the sea and from land. San Felipe de Barajas Castle continues to stand today and has been named a National Monument of Colombia. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Colombia
Prominent Features:

1. Fortified Walls: This massive fortress is surrounded by a thick stone wall 10 metres wide and 25 metres tall. This wall is one of the most fascinating features of Cartagena’s San Felipe de Barajas castle. Built between 1536 and 1657, the walls are supported with 12 m of bricks and boast a complex system of tunnels and underground galleries. 2. Unique Ramparts and Towers: The castle has eight pentagonal towers, with three main towers located on the edges of the wall. The castle also has a unique way of defending itself – the Barajas Ramparts. These steep steps curve back and forth, providing a great place to hide from enemies and drop stones upon them. 3. Canal and Moat System: Moats were used to protect the castle from land-based enemies. Because of its strategic location, the San Felipe de Barajas castle has both a canal and a moat system. The canal provided fresh water for drinking and bathing, while the moats kept out enemies. 4. Labyrinth of Tunnels: San Felipe de Barajas castle is famous for its system of tunnels and underground galleries. These were used for both storage of weapons, supplies and safe passage of troops and spies. There are also many secret entrances and fake exits, making the castle an almost impenetrable fortress. 5. Lookout Points: The castle is topped with several lookout points that provide stunning views of the surrounding area. These points were and are still used for keeping watch and alerting the troops of potential enemies. This national monument of Colombia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

San Felipe de Barajas Castle is a fortress located near Cartagena, Colombia. The fortress was built in the late 16th century and then reinforced in the 17th century, which was its most significant reinforcement. It was named after Philip II of Spain. The original fortress was built between 1536 and 1552 by order of the Viceroy of New Toledo, Pedro Maldonado. During this period, ports were of great importance to Spain, as protection against the activity of corsairs and pirates who frequented the Caribbean coasts. The main purpose was defending the city of Cartagena de Indias and its port. In the mid-17th century, a defense system for the city was established that further reinforced the existing fortress. It was the engineer Ignacio de Palma, military engineer of the Antilles who planned and designed the future Barracks of San Felipe. In the 17th century, the Spanish crown used the fortress to protect Cartagena from the British. In 1741, a British armada of more than 5,000 men led several assaults on the fortress. Despite numerous attempts, the British invasion was repelled and the British forces were defeated. In 1815, the fortress was occupied by revolutionary forces led by Simón Bolívar to help in the forces under his command to win the battle for the independence of the United Provinces of New Granada. San Felipe de Barajas Castle is a World Heritage Site and one of the most important historical landmarks in Colombia. You must visit one of these historical places in Colombia on your Colombia tour

Interesting facts:

1. The San Felipe de Barajas Castle is a fortress located in Cartagena, Colombia, that was built by the Spanish during the colonial era. 2. It is the most extensive and best-preserved fortress in South America and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3. The castle was constructed by the citizens of Cartagena in 1536 and completed by the Spanish in 1657. 4. The fortifications rise up to 140 feet and armed with 16-inch cannons. 5. The castle also includes a network of underground tunnels and 13 levels where soldiers could be posted to help defend the city. 6. Not only did the castle serve to protect Cartagena from attack, it also served as a refuge to both pirates and slaves. 7. During Colombia’s fight for Independence in the early 1800s, liberator Simón Bolívar sought refuge in San Felipe during a siege. 8. The fortress remains a symbol of Colombia's proud and often turbulent history. Visit one of the famous monuments of Colombia with your friends and family.