Dominating the Cartagena skyline sits Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. It stands as a silent sentinel of centuries past. This isn’t just a pile of old stones. It’s a story etched in brick and blood.
Welcome to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. This fortress is more than just an old building. It’s a symbol of resilience and strategic brilliance. Built by the Spanish, it stands on the Hill of San Lázaro. Its location dominates all approaches to Cartagena by land and sea.
Let’s step back in time. Construction began in 1536. It wasn’t until 1657 that the initial structure was completed. The fortress was originally known as Castillo de San Lázaro. It got its current name to honor Philip IV of Spain. This castle defended the Spanish Caribbean trade. Precious cargo passed through Cartagena. Gold, silver, cacao, and slaves made the city a prime target for pirates.
The design of Castillo San Felipe is a marvel. It’s a triangular fortress with a series of walls. The walls are wide at the base and narrow at the top. This created a formidable defense. Batteries and parapets protected each other. It was nearly impossible to take one without taking the whole system. Some say the stone blocks were glued together with calicanto and ox blood. Myths even mention the blood of black slaves.
Imagine the view from the Castillo San Felipe. Cannons pointed towards the bay. There were 68 guns in total. They were strategically placed to prevent enemy ships from invading. Each battery was directed at other batteries. This meant attackers had to control the entire complex.
The castle has a complex network of tunnels. These tunnels allowed troops to move unseen. They were also used for ambushes. The tunnel system was designed as a death trap for enemies. Narrow corridors full of hidden defenders awaited intruders. The tunnels were irregular. It was easy to get lost and disoriented. Subterranean barracks housed up to 350 men. They stored weapons and food for long sieges.
Many tried to capture Castillo San Felipe. In 1697, the French privateer Baron de Pointis succeeded. He seized the castle during the War of the Grand Alliance. Later, José de Herrera y Sotomayor repaired the damage in 1739.
The most famous attack came in 1741. British Admiral Edward Vernon attacked. He had a massive force but Spanish Admiral Blas de Lezo defended the city. The British lost thousands of men. Yellow fever also took its toll. The Spanish victory was a testament to the castle’s design.
By 1815, during the Spanish American wars of independence, a Spanish force under Pablo Morillo arrived. Cartagena fell. By May 1816, royalists controlled New Granada.
For decades, Castillo San Felipe was neglected. Vegetation covered the walls. Tunnels filled with soil. In 1984, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. Since 1990, the Colombian government has used the castle for social and cultural events.
Today, you can explore the Castillo San Felipe. Walk the walls. Venture into the tunnels. Imagine the battles fought here. Feel the weight of history. The views are breathtaking. Colonial Cartagena stretches out before you. Modern buildings rise in the distance. It’s a panorama of 400 years of history. Remember the strategic genius. Remember the lives lost. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas stands tall. It is a reminder of Cartagena’s past.