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Historic center · Campeche, Campeche
Centro histórico y murallas de Campeche
Walled historic center of Campeche, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with bastions, city gates, colorful colonial houses, the cathedral and Calle 59.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Centro histórico y murallas de Campeche
The historic centre of Campeche follows a hexagonal layout, once surrounded by a roughly 2.5 km wall with eight bastions, built between 1686 and 1704 to protect the city from pirates. Much of the wall was taken down in the 20th century, but seven bastions and sections of the wall were preserved, along with the Porta do Mar and the Porta da Terra. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
Within the old enclosure, straight streets are lined with low houses painted in bright colours, with iron grilles and tall doors. Independence Square has the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, with tall towers, and the library and the old palace around it. Street 59, which runs to the Porta do Mar, is closed to cars at night and concentrates restaurants.
The bastions house museums, such as San Miguel, with weapons and piracy history, and Soledad, with Maya stelae. The Santiago bastion contains the Xmuch Haltún botanical garden. From the Porta da Terra you can walk along a section of the wall.
On some evenings there are light-and-sound shows at the Porta da Terra about the city's history.
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
Half day.
Best time
In the late afternoon and at night, when the heat eases and the streets are lit. In the morning the bastion museums are open; check opening times.
How to get there
The historic centre is next to the malecón, about 3 km from the bus station. You can walk around inside the centre.
Tip
Walk on the wall starting from the Porta da Terra. See Street 59 at night.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Centro histórico y murallas de Campeche
When were Campeche's walls built?
Between 1686 and 1704, against pirate attacks.
Can you walk on the wall?
Yes, on a section starting from the Porta da Terra.
What is Street 59?
The downtown street that runs to the Porta do Mar, closed to traffic at night, with restaurants.