Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

Construction of the castle began in 1657 on San Lázaro hill to protect the city from attacks by land. The English and French attacked it several times, and in 1697 the French Baron de Pointis managed to take it.

Since 1984 it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list along with the historic center and the rest of the fortifications. It's run by the Escuela Taller Cartagena de Indias (ETCAR), which puts ticket revenue back into maintaining the walls and forts.

The visit means climbing ramps, walking the gun batteries and going into the tunnels. From the top you can see the walled city, Bocagrande and La Popa hill.

What to see

• The ramps and batteries climbing the hill.
• The tunnels, which you can walk through.
• The view of the historic center, Bocagrande and La Popa from the top.

Getting there

• Car or taxi: about 10 minutes from the Torre del Reloj, 15 from Rafael Núñez airport and 20 from the bus terminal (Terminal de Transporte).
• Parking: on Avenida Antonio Arévalo and on Calle 31, near the Zapatos Viejos monument.

Tips

• Go early: the heat is brutal at midday and almost the whole route is in the sun.
• Bring water, a cap and comfortable shoes; there are steep ramps and stairs.
• The tunnels can be slippery.
• Pets aren't allowed, only guide dogs.
• On the last Sunday of every month, except January and December, entry is free for Colombians with their ID card (cédula).