Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksCastles
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Cartagena was always a desirable conquest for pirates and enemies of the Spanish Crown; and for this reason, the defense of the city from these threats was a question of priority for its inhabitants from the first decades of the existence of the city. Once the primitive nucleus of Cartagena and the outlying district of Getsemani were fortified, there was a need to erect a structure on San Lazaro Hill that would prevent an enemy attack from its peak, since the hill dominated the walls and the only entrance to the city, the Media Luna Entrance in Getsemani. In addition, this hill was the intermediate point between the city and the nearby Popa Peak, where some heavy guns and canons were installed between 1769 and 1780 to cross fire with the castle and make an enemy attack more difficult from the large beach of Playon Grande in Pie de la Popa.
Duration: < 1 hour
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  • Larry
    Cape Coral, Florida6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It’s a steep way up there but it’s worth it
    You could cover the entire castle in less than an hour (depending on your fitness level). The way up is steep but once you’re up there, you’ll have amazing views of the city and could take pictures with the big Colombian flag 🇨🇴. The tunnels were fun, definitely not for the claustrophobics, but try them out! There’s a souvenir shop with drinks and ice cream at the top but bring bottled water with you on the way up, you’ll need it.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 24 April 2023
  • Albert B
    Cincinnati, Ohio395 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must Stop
    Try to time your visit (60-90 minutes) to a cooler part of the day. Pace yourself walking up inclines. Tunnels are interesting to explore. Snack bar and small gift shop will catch your attention. Visit a must for any one interest in history.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 29 May 2023
  • Danuza
    Cambridge, Massachusetts950 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing place to visit
    Great place to visit and walk around. Beautiful views and interesting history. You can get there by doing the city tour hop in and out, or any other way. Definitively worth a visit. It is a nice area to walk around during the day.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 27 June 2023
  • msa23_2000
    Chino Hills, California1,479 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It’s an old fort that you can explore a little
    We went late in the afternoon, and it was very very hot. Consequently, they were not many people up there. You can walk around and get some great city views and also some great photos of the old wall. Make sure to wander down any of the stairs, and it feels like you’re going through catacombs at the bottom.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 2 July 2023
  • 4NHTraveler
    New Hampshire225 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    History in Cartagena
    This castle is really cool. You can decide to take a guide or read the few information signs inside . When we went, it was very hot outside so we decided against a guide. A few people suggested that we should try to get more people and divide the cost of the guide among everyone in the group. My suggestion is to try to negotiate price if you’re blooming for a guide, as we were quoted at least 3 different prices to get a guide (cheaper was 100,000 pesos for 45 minutes (about $25). I think we probably would have gotten more out of the experience with a guide, but 45 minutes was a long time to my 17 year old so we passed.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 20 July 2023
  • Abovetheclouds
    2,442 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Go as the sun is setting.
    This is lovely. Such a nice walk. Remember there is history here and not just about taking photographs. Best time to go is near when the sun is setting. Cooler. Walk, learn and enjoy the views. There are some information boards too. Wear flat shoes. It gets windy so watch hats. What is nice as the sun sets is the youngsters flying kites. With the sun setting in the background, these are magical moments and why we travel. A few street vendors around who will be pushing you to buy drinks!
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 30 August 2023
  • RICHARD B
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Grand San Felipe!
    The visit to the castle in Cartagena was amazing. Full of rich, history and incredible views from atop, the second highest point in Cartagena. Our guide Carlos was spectacular. He imported a wealth of information and knowledge and history, and was very thorough and complete information. Would definitely recommend this is a must see when in Cartagena. I especially loved going in the tiny, tunnels deep beneath the fort.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 September 2023
  • Ron S
    Toronto, Canada504 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Huge Fort
    Our tour stop was fairly quick, enough to stretch our legs and take in the upwards view of this huge fort. Like all areas in Columbia, there were many gypsies hawking trinkets which made the attempt to enjoy the sights a bit bothersome. We wish we had more time to explore.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 October 2023
  • ajnavy04
    Denver, Colorado246 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must Visit in Cartagena
    This is a stunning piece of military engineering. A must visit spot if you're visiting Cartagena. I'd recommend visiting as part of a tour group since there is not much information available about the fort on site.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 October 2023
  • Lia H
    Bogota, Colombia1,110 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    must do in Cartagena
    Wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, and get ready for a nice workout. The place is filled with lots of history, beautiful sites, nice and windy up at the top. Buy the tickets at the bottom, where plenty of vendors will offer you water and tell you they don't sell water at the top. There is a cute little store when you reach the top, where they sell water, ice cream, fruit, and souvenirs! Lots of history to learn as well!
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 24 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles13,155 reviews
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6,716
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Savannahtaylor
Milwaukee, WI24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Friends
On a hot, humid, full sun day, the trek to the top was a little taxing. It was so worth it though. The views were spectacular, and there was a shaded area to rest in. The price to get in was cheap, so definitely worth a visit!
Written 7 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

egerena
Boston, MA131 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
The fortress lacks plaques explaining its historical impact and importance. To appreciate it you need to go on a tour. The entrance is steep and might not be fit for people with disabilities due to the lack of ramps. The view on top is beautiful and the place is kept very clean. Also, it is very windy.
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jasmine38Chichester UK
Chichester, UK1,952 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
You can't really miss the so called castle, which is really a fort, as it's very large and the walls span the city. A key aspect of Cartagena's history and development so well worth a visit. Not a great deal to see as such, but interesting to wander the ramparts and explore some of the tunnels. Good views over the city too. There are good explanation panels around the site in English.
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

beetcanner
Southern Nevada674 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Friends
From here the views of the city are stunning on a hot sunny day. Perched on a rock, the fortress grants clear views out to sea and approach by land. Very strategic for defending Cartgena. Even though it opened in 1536, it now has a phone number. You don't need a guide per se, it is quite self-evident. Bring your camera. If the bugler is there, he will play your national anthem without explaining your nationality.
Written 28 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Erika S
New York City, NY4 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
This is a must see spot if you visit Cartagena , the downside of this place the street vendors trying to push you to buy drinks
Written 25 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WanderingFarmer
Payson, UT418 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
This fortress is the biggest in the Caribbean it was a good hike up to the top of it. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable of the history. The reason I could not give this a 5 star is because of the trinkets and bobbles. They wouldn’t let you be and could be quite pushy.
Written 23 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rschagrin
Delray Beach, FL17,471 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
Built in the 1600's to protect the city. It has tunnels and offers great views of the city.

A lot of rich history thru out the years. Good way to get exercise climbing to the top of the fort.
Written 1 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ava G
10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
A worthwhile visit to take in the history of San Felipe and to capture some wonderful views of the surrounding areas. The best time to go is early morning as it gets extremely hot and there are some steep climbs.
Written 31 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Siteseer1
Jacksonville, FL877 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
This is a large fortification in the middle of Cartagena. You also get nice views of the city as well. Visit early in the day as it gets hot up on the walls later on. Well worth the time, 1.5 to 2 hours to see it well.
Written 26 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CJToti
New Jersey355 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
Although not truly a castle - it is actually a fortress, this is a must see in Cartagena. Absolutely stoning 1600s historic site from which you can see beautiful sunsets in Cartagena. 100% worth seeing ! If you go with toddlers, watch for the elevations - don’t let them climb on the walls.
Written 3 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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CASTILLO DE SAN FELIPE DE BARAJAS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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