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Cartagena’s super fort

Just outside the old centre of Cartagena is an impressive structure: the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. The fort was built shortly after the foundation of Cartagena to protect the new colonial port city and its supplies of gold and silver from pirate attacks. History has proven that this was a wise decision.

Admiral Blas de Lezo

A magnificent defeat

Near the entrance of the fort stands the statue of Admiral Blas de Lezo. Despite an almost comical amount of handicaps (he had only one eye, one leg, one hand and barely any weapons), the admiral managed to fight off a massive attack from the English in 1741. The English arrived with 23,000 troops, divided over 186 ships, bearing a total of 2,000 cannons. The Spaniards only disposed of 3,000 men and 6 ships. Faced with the tenacious Blas de Lezo and his enormous fort, the English navy experienced one of the biggest defeats in its history. All of Cartagena’s treasured were saved.

The fort in all its glory

Climbing or relaxing

From the top of the fort you are rewarded with a great view of Cartagena’s city centre: an impressive maze of church domes, palm trees, bougainvillea and red roof tiles, all neatly bound together by a long string of defensive walls. During the midday heat, the climb to the top can be quite strenuous. A good alternative is to lounge by the rooftop pool of the San Lázaro Art Lifestyle Hotel, the only hotel right by the fort. From here you have a privileged vantage point to admire the fort in all its glory as you sip a cold drink.