Fort of San Felipe in Bacalar

Built in 1733 under the order of Don Antonio de Figueroa y Silva, field marshal of Yucatan, the Fort of San Felipe, in Chetumal, was constructed to protect the population from the recurrent attacks by pirates from the Caribbean and to protect the region from harassment from the traders in Campeche wood. During the second half of the 19th century, in the so-called War of the Castes, the fortress once again became the scene of battles for the ownership of the fortress. After the town was sacked by pirates in 17th century, the fortress was completed in 1730, and therefore can be visited today. The fort been restored and sits looking over Lake Bacalar in the center of town. The fort is built in the form of a four-pointed star and has a moat of 4m of depth. San Felipe has a museum, which contains plaques both in English and Spanish, and there is parking nearby.

As regards the fort, it is surrounded by a wall. From the ramparts, visitors can look across Laguna Bacalar toward the "pirate's channel" which allowed boats to enter the lake from the Caribbean and the Bay of Chetumal. The Fort of San Felipe is almost 280 years old and provides visitors a rich view into the history of Bacalar and the nearby region, from early pre-Hispanic times through the Caste Wars. Situated on the eastern edge of the city's town square, this beautiful stone Fort is surrounded by a deep moat.

The structure includes not only canons and ramparts, but also a wonderful museum with historic artifacts, murals depicting the city’s history, and interactive computer exhibits on the Caste Wars and pirates and their lives. The manifold displays here include quite a few very well-maintained objects from Bacalar's past like models of boats from the 17th century, muskets, cannon balls, canons, sabers, ancient navigational instruments, and a pirate's skeleton, discovered during excavations at the Fort. The Fort is open six days a week from 9:00 am de 7:00 pm, and closed on Mondays. Admission for foreigners costs $60 pesos. In the case of Mexican citizens, adults pay $25 pesos, children, students and teachers $13 pesos, and on Sunday, Residents of Quintana Roo have free admission. Visiting this historical Costa Maya museum is an experience worth living.

The Museum's director, Joseas Montalvo Yama, is a knowledgeable expert and accomplished artist who knows many details about the Fort's history. A Temporary Exhibits Hall is open from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm. The director offers a diversity of art classes as well as workshops for kids and young adults at the fort. You just need to call him to learn what courses are being offered and when the classes are held.

San Felipe fortress is located in the center of town. Built in the 16th century to protect the city against pirates, the fort has been well preserved and inside it contains an awesome museum in which to admire the fort’s rich history. Don’t miss the opportunity of visiting this amazing fortress on your next visit to the paradise of Bacalar!

V.T.