San Felipe Castle, Cartagena: History and Visit Tips

Hello Backpacker 😀 in this blog we will talk about this iconic fort, which is not only an architectural wonder, but also a silent witness to the history of Colombia. In this article we will take you through the past of the castle and give you tips to make the most of your visit

Where is San Felipe Castle Located

The Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is located on the hill of San Lazaro in the city of Cartagena de Indias, on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. More specifically in the department of Bolívar

The History of San Felipe Castle

The Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, as its full name, began to be built in 1536 and was finished in 1657. That is, it was finished in 121 years. This fort was built with the intention of protecting the city of Cartagena de Indias from attacks by pirates and enemy military forces.

This is strategically located on the hill of San Lazaro, this place offers a panoramic view of the city and the open sea, this allows to detect possible threats with enough time in advance

Defense of Cartagena Castle

Throughout the centuries, this fort played an important role in the defense of Cartagena. One of the most important moments in its history was in 1741, when the British admiral Edward Vernon tried to take the city by force with a fleet of 186 ships and almost 29,000 men

Despite the defense having 4,000 men, they managed to defend the city and beat the British.

Schedules and prices

• Schedule: It is open every day of the week, from Monday to Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m

• Entrance fee: For nationals it is $29,000 COP, for foreigners it is $33,000 COP and for children under 13 and students it is $13,000 COP

How to get there

To get to the castle, you can opt for several options:

• Taxi: It is the most comfortable and fastest way to get there. Almost all taxis know how to get there. We recommend you to agree on the price of the race before getting on or using applications like InDriver or Uber, where there is already an agreed price

• Public Transport: Many routes pass near the castle. Ask at your accommodation which is the best option according to your location

• Walk: If you are staying in the historic center, you can walk there. As you walk you can enjoy the views of the city and some other attractions on the way

What Not to Miss

Here are some must-sees of the castle:

• Underground Tunnels: Explore the labyrinthine underground tunnels that were used to store ammunition and as escape routes

  

• The Panoramic View: Climb to the highest part of the castle and enjoy the spectacular view of Cartagena and the bay

  

• Guided Tour: Consider joining a guided tour. Local guides will tell you stories and anecdotes that you will not find in books, this makes your visit more enriching

  

Recommendations

If you plan to travel between today and September 30, 2025 , by booking through Booking with Mochiliante, you can get a 20% discount or more on your next getaway by clicking here

• Light and comfortable clothing: Cartagena has a tropical climate, so wear comfortable and light clothing. Also don't forget your sunscreen and stay hydrated

• Best time to visit: The best season is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During these months there is less chance of rain

• Available services: The castle has basic services such as bathrooms and a souvenir shop. There are also guides available to hire on site

We can tell you that this place is a historical monument and a window to the past that will allow us to understand the history of Cartagena and Colombia. So pack your backpack 🎒 and let's tour the San Felipe Castle 🏰! We wish you many successes and see you on a next adventure, Backpacker (Mochiliante) 😉😁🫡