Built on the San Lázaro hill in 1657 during the colonial period, San Felipe Castle was the place of different combats. It is considered one of the 7 wonders of Colombia, and Unesco recognized it, along with the historic center of Cartagena, as a World Heritage Site. The Castle of San Felipe was the biggest fortress that the Spanish colony built in Colombia, it is said that it keeps mysteries and that it has been the scene of paranormal events.
How to get to San Felipe Castle?
San Felipe Castle is located in Cartagena de Indias, what is recommended is to take advantage of your visit to the historic center of the city and walk to the Castle, it only takes 15 minutes to walk in which you will know the beauty of Cartagena.
From the bus terminal in Cartagena you will find buses that will drop you off at the corner of Castillo San Felipe.
Geography and Weather in Cartagena
The city of Cartagena has an average temperature of 26°C. When visiting the San Felipe Castle, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothes for warm weather, preferably cool and white. Wear comfortable footwear for the tour, which lasts approximately two hours. Use sunscreen, hat or cap for greater protection from the sun and bring enough hydration.
What to do in San Felipe Castle?
San Felipe Castle is one of the greatest attractions of Cartagena, this architectural marvel with colonial aspect and was witness of diverse battles between Spaniards against French and English pirates, has a structure that was considered militarily efficient, since it protected the city and had the capacity to control the enemy.
The Castle has tunnels that were refuge for the soldiers, in its visit to this impressive tourist destiny will be able to cross the castle knowing all the histories of battles and mysteries.
The main attraction of this tourist destination is to know part of the history of the time of the colonization in Colombia, besides to admire the beauty and imposing of this Castle, the one that was the protector of Cartagena so many years ago.
It is recommended that if you or any of your relatives suffer from claustrophobia do not descend to the tunnels, as they are very narrow.
Gastronomy in Cartagena
Inside the San Felipe Castle you will not find restaurants or shops, which is a place of conservation and heritage of Colombia, therefore, it is recommended to buy hydration and some food on your tour of the historic center. In the Historic Center of Cartagena you will also find restaurants with a great gastronomic offer of national and international food.
Hotels in Cartagena
Cartagena is an absolutely touristic city, therefore, you will not have problems in finding a variety of hotels and hostels at different prices and with different services. You can also spend the night in camping areas.
Rates in San Felipe Castle
To enter the Castle of San Felipe you must pay the following value according to its characteristics: (Information taken from http://fortificacionescartagena.com in May 2019)
Full Rate: $25,000
General Rate: $20.000
Applies to Colombian citizens presenting their citizenship card.
Reduced Rate: $10.500
Applies to minors from 6 to 13 years, presenting identity document. It covers students and teachers of public and private educational institutions of preschool, primary and secondary levels; technical, technological, university and Education for Work and Human Development of Colombia, must present a valid card.
Minimum Rate: $1000
Applies to students of official educational institutions of Cartagena and Bolívar authorized by ETCAR. The visit must be scheduled in advance, for more information see Tariff Policy, Article 3.
The value of the ticket includes a map of San Felipe de Barajas Castle. It does not include the tourist guide service or audio guides, these can be hired at the box office of the fort.
Schedules
Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. except for Free Entry Days where the hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
