Historic Fortified Town of Campeche
Location: Campeche Mexico
Year of Inscription: 1999
Criteria: (ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: Campeche is a historic fortified town located on the Gulf of Mexico in the state of Campeche, Mexico. The town was founded in the 16th century by Spanish conquistadors, and its historic center is a well-preserved example of a fortified colonial town. The town's fortifications were built to protect it from pirate attacks, and they are considered to be some of the finest examples of military architecture from the colonial period.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Campeche include:
History: Campeche was founded in 1540 by Spanish conquistadors, who quickly recognized the importance of the town's location on the Gulf of Mexico. The town became a major center of commerce and trade, and its fortifications were built in the 17th century to protect it from pirate attacks. Campeche remained an important center of trade and commerce throughout the colonial period and into the 19th century.
Family-Friendly Activities: Campeche offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
Fun Fact: The fortifications of Campeche were so effective that the town was never successfully attacked by pirates during the colonial period.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for exploring the historic center of Campeche. However, some of the museums and other attractions may have an entry fee. For example,
How to Reach it: Campeche is easily accessible by bus or car from other major cities in Mexico, including Merida and Cancun. The nearest airport is the Campeche International Airport, which is served by several major airlines. Once in Campeche, visitors can explore the historic center on foot or by renting a bicycle or scooter.
From Cancun, there are several bus companies that offer direct services to Campeche, including ADO, Mayab, and Oriente. The journey takes approximately 7-8 hours.
From Merida, there are also several bus companies that offer direct services to Campeche, including ADO and Mayab. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours.
Where to Stay: Campeche offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. Some of the most popular areas to stay include:
Next Stop: Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal 160km(100miles) to the northwest
Year of Inscription: 1999
Criteria: (ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: Campeche is a historic fortified town located on the Gulf of Mexico in the state of Campeche, Mexico. The town was founded in the 16th century by Spanish conquistadors, and its historic center is a well-preserved example of a fortified colonial town. The town's fortifications were built to protect it from pirate attacks, and they are considered to be some of the finest examples of military architecture from the colonial period.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Campeche include:
- The Historic Center, which is a well-preserved example of a fortified colonial town and is home to numerous historic buildings and landmarks
- The San Francisco de Campeche Cathedral, a 16th-century cathedral with a mix of Baroque and Gothic architectural styles
- The Fortifications, including the walls, bastions, and moats that were built to protect the town from pirate attacks
- The Museum of Mayan Architecture, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the Maya civilization that once inhabited the region
History: Campeche was founded in 1540 by Spanish conquistadors, who quickly recognized the importance of the town's location on the Gulf of Mexico. The town became a major center of commerce and trade, and its fortifications were built in the 17th century to protect it from pirate attacks. Campeche remained an important center of trade and commerce throughout the colonial period and into the 19th century.
Family-Friendly Activities: Campeche offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
- Exploring the historic center and its many landmarks and buildings
- Visiting the San Francisco de Campeche Cathedral and learning about its history and architecture
- Taking a tour of the fortifications and learning about the town's military history
- Visiting the Museum of Mayan Architecture and learning about the ancient Maya civilization
Fun Fact: The fortifications of Campeche were so effective that the town was never successfully attacked by pirates during the colonial period.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for exploring the historic center of Campeche. However, some of the museums and other attractions may have an entry fee. For example,
- The entrance fee to the Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum) is around 40 MXN (about $2 USD) for adults and 15 MXN (less than $1 USD) for students and children.
- The entrance fee to the Puerta de Tierra Museum is also around 40 MXN (about $2 USD) for adults and 25 MXN (about $1.25 USD) for students and children.
- If you wish to explore the fortified walls of the town, you can do so for free by walking along the pedestrian promenade that runs along the top of the walls. However, if you want to enter the fortifications at certain points, such as the Baluarte de San Francisco, Baluarte de la Soledad, or Baluarte de San Pedro, you will need to pay an entrance fee of around 40 MXN (about $2 USD) per person.
How to Reach it: Campeche is easily accessible by bus or car from other major cities in Mexico, including Merida and Cancun. The nearest airport is the Campeche International Airport, which is served by several major airlines. Once in Campeche, visitors can explore the historic center on foot or by renting a bicycle or scooter.
From Cancun, there are several bus companies that offer direct services to Campeche, including ADO, Mayab, and Oriente. The journey takes approximately 7-8 hours.
From Merida, there are also several bus companies that offer direct services to Campeche, including ADO and Mayab. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours.
Where to Stay: Campeche offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. Some of the most popular areas to stay include:
- The Historic Center, which is the heart of the town and offers easy access to its many attractions and landmarks
- The Waterfront, which is home to several hotels and offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico
- The Modern District, which is located outside the historic center and offers a range of modern amenities and facilities.
Next Stop: Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal 160km(100miles) to the northwest