This impressive landmark stands as a reminder of the grandeur of Campeche’s colonial period and the horror of the pirate attacks that once plagued the city.
The Baluarte de Santa Rosa is one of eight great bastions which were once part of a vast city wall enclosing the colonial city of Campeche. Visit the bastion as you explore the city’s captivating old town and be amazed by the incredible work of Campeche’s past residents.
Almost all of Campeche’s city walls may be long gone, but the great bastions, known in Spanish as “baluartes,” stand as reminders of turbulent times in the city’s history. Head to Baluarte de Santa Rosa on the southern side to see a fine example of colonial defensive fortifications.
Campeche has a long and varied history, dating back to the Mayans. When it was conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century, the newly wealthy city became a prime target for pirates who launched vicious attacks from all across the Caribbean. More than just opportunistic looters, the pirates organized themselves into armies, joining forces to plunder the city time after time. The great city walls and their eight bastions, built as a defense, saw an end to the attacks. Visit Baluarte de Santa Rosa and then continue walking around the other bastions to get an idea of the enormity of these remarkable walls.
Make your way up the bastion to pose and take photos with fun wooden pirate cutouts, which will especially delight children. Take the time to read the information boards, which provide a fascinating history of the fortifications and explain why and how the great walls were built. Access the bastion through its wooden gate and then explore the inner courtyard, rooms and hidden corners within. From the top, admire the staggering view, which takes in the twin towers of the beautiful Campeche Cathedral.
The Baluarte de Santa Rosa is located on the corner of Calle 14 and Avenida Circuito Baluartes Sur. Walk from the seafront past the Baluarte de San Carlos and continue on another 1312 feet (400 meters) to find this intriguing historic site.
