Castle Fort San Felipe, Military fortress in San Felipe, Colombia
Castle Fort San Felipe is a fortified structure built in tiers of coral stone on a hilltop overlooking the bay. The site features defensive walls, chambers, and a network of passages that connect different sections of the construction.
The fort was built in the 16th century during Spanish colonial times to defend the bay and incoming ships. Over decades it served as a defensive position against attackers approaching from the water.
The fort reflects how people used this hilltop to control the bay and protect ships entering the harbor. Visitors walking through it can see how the space shaped daily life and defense strategies for centuries.
Reaching the fort involves climbing a steep hilltop path with multiple stairs. It is best to visit in early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat and allow time to walk through all sections comfortably.
The underground passages served not just as escape routes but also as storage areas and places where soldiers sheltered from extreme heat. This hidden system reveals how creatively defenders adapted the structure to daily needs.
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