Fort San Miguel, Campeche, Military fort in Campeche, Mexico
Fort San Miguel sits on elevated ground with a pentagonal design surrounded by a protective moat and defensive walls. The structure includes gun emplacements and internal quarters that reflect 18th-century military engineering.
Construction began in 1771 and finished in 1801 as part of the city's defense against pirates and naval threats. It was built to protect the colonial port from raids and to strengthen Spain's coastal holdings.
The fort now houses an archaeological museum displaying artifacts from Maya settlements across the region. Visitors can see jade burial pieces and ceramic figures that reveal how ancient peoples lived in this area.
The fort sits on a hilltop outside the city and is accessible by foot or vehicle from the center. The pathways inside are paved and mostly level, making a visit straightforward for most people.
The fort features two different bridges: a permanent stone structure and a wooden drawbridge, both still visible today. Underground water cisterns and powder magazines inside reveal how soldiers lived and worked within the walls.
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