The Baluarte de San Francisco is the largest bastion in Campeche’s once-formidable defensive wall. Visit it to enjoy the phenomenal Puerta de Tierra sound and light show and to imagine the thousands who have walked through the main Puerta de Tierra city gate before you.
Come to the Baluarte de San Francisco today and you will see a careful recreation of the original structure, which was demolished in 1889 to make way for a tram leading from the Santa Ana district. This faithful reproduction is one of the most impressive architectural features in Campeche.
Following the Spanish conquest of the city in the 16th century, Campeche, like many other affluent colonial Caribbean cities, was a prime target for pirates. In order to defend itself the decision was taken, in 1686, to build colossal walls offering protection to the people and merchants who lived in the 80 hectares (198 acres) they enclosed. An irregular, eight-sided polygon was built over the next 18 years, with a robust “baluarte,” or bastion, at each corner. Learn more about the long and fascinating history of the Baluarte de San Francisco and the Campeche city walls when you visit.
Be amazed by the Puerta de Tierra sound and light show, which illuminates the Baluarte de San Francisco in the balmy summer evenings. Watch the fascinating story of Campache’s colorful past unfold as you learn about the origins of the Mayan culture, the legendary pirate attacks that once plagued the city and the subsequent building of the defensive walls. Beautiful lights shine onto 656 feet (200 meters) of wall next to the main Puerta de Tierra gate, which was once a principal entrance into the city.
The Baluarte de San Francisco is located in the heart of Campeche’s old town. There is a small fee to enjoy the 60-minute sound and light show, which runs from Thursday to Sunday. See the show at Circuito Baluarte, which is next to Puerta de Tierra, the gate into the bastion.
