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Fort and museum · Bacalar, Quintana Roo
Fuerte de San Felipe
18th-century star-shaped fort in the village of Bacalar, facing the lagoon, built against pirates, with a museum about piracy.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Fuerte de San Felipe
The Fort of San Felipe is in the center of the village of Bacalar, on a low hill facing the lagoon. It was built by the Spanish between 1729 and 1733 to defend the region from pirates and English smugglers who entered via the rivers and channels from Chetumal Bay and Belize.
It has the shape of a four-pointed star, with bastions at the corners, a moat and a drawbridge. The cannons are still on the walls, pointed toward the lagoon.
Inside the fort there is a museum about piracy and the region’s history, with weapons, maps, period objects and explanations about the Caste War, the 19th-century Maya uprising when the fort was taken by the Maya.
From the bastions you get a wide view of the lagoon and its bands of color.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
At the end of the afternoon, to see the lagoon from the bastions in low light. Check the museum hours.
How to get there
It is in the center of Bacalar, next to the main square. You can walk there.
Tip
Climb the bastions for the lagoon view.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Fuerte de San Felipe
Why was the Fort of San Felipe built?
To defend the region from pirates who entered via the rivers and channels.
What is inside the fort?
A museum about piracy and the region’s history.
Is the fort in the center of Bacalar?
Yes, next to the main square.