This squat, stone bulwark has a museum and a rooftop section with vistas of Campeche’s city centre that it has guarded for centuries.
Visit the Baluarte de San Pedro, a historic bastion known for helping to repel a raid from Mérida in 1824. This robust square fortress has lookouts, turrets and bells adorning its corners. Inside is a small museum dedicated to crafts.
Study the thick stone walls and notice the symbols engraved above the entrance. These include the papal tiara and a set of crossed keys of St. Peter, to whom the bastion is dedicated.
Consider the history of this bulwark, which was the sixth fortification to be built into the walled city. It was constructed in 1702 and also served as a deposit for ammunition and gunpowder.
Once inside, find yourself in the courtyard and start climbing the stairs that lead to the roof. Inspect the various preserved structures of the walls of the fortress, including a bell that historically was used to alert the townspeople of potential attacks. Remnants of a latrine remain in one corner of the fort. The rooftop provides excellent views of the highlights of the historic center that surround it.
The site is open daily from morning until late evening. There is a fee to enter. You can purchase snacks and drinks from the stalls just outside the structure. Investigate the adjacent Iglesia de San Juan de Dios, which dates back to the 1600s.
Find the Baluarte de San Pedro in the southeastern corner of Campeche’s historic district along the Gulf of Mexico. From the Baluarte de San Carlos at the other end of the neighborhood, walk southeast for 0.8 miles (1.3 kilometers) to get here in about 15 minutes.
While in this neighborhood, ensure you stop off at other gems such as the Puerta de Tierra, the Ex-Templo de San José and the Mansión Carvajal.
