If you want to discover a Mexican destination brimming with history, adventure, tradition, and culture… we recommend visiting Campeche, the country’s only walled city. Learn why it still preserves its walls, why they were built, and what it offers for your end-of-year vacation.
Did you know that Campeche is the only walled city in Mexico?… It’s a destination where history and culture merge to offer a unique experience to its visitors.
This corner of the Gulf of Mexico captivates not only with its colorful colonial streets but also with its imposing walls and forts that tell the story of epic battles against pirates in centuries past.
At Mexico Travel Channel, we’ll tell you about the history of this destination and the tourist offerings it has prepared for this holiday season, combining tradition, gastronomy, and nature—ideal elements for those seeking an unforgettable getaway.
To protect itself specifically from the constant attacks of pirates and buccaneers that plagued the city during the 16th and 17th centuries, Campeche became a walled city.
From its early days as a colonial port, Campeche was a strategic trading hub, especially for the export of logwood, a textile product highly valued in Europe, which made it an attractive target for privateers.
The pirates not only attacked ships but also invaded the city, looting homes, burning warehouses, and taking hostages, causing widespread damage and recurring panic.
Due to these repeated devastating attacks, such as the one by the English pirate fleet in 1663, which sacked a large part of the city, it was decided to construct a defensive system with walls, bastions, and forts to protect the inhabitants and local commerce.
This construction formally began in 1686, financed with taxes and support from the Spanish Crown and the regional government.
The wall functioned as a hexagonal fortification with strategically placed gates and bastions to defend the city and prevent further invasions.
The original city wall measured 2,560 meters and had six sides, four gates, and eight bastions; today, approximately 500 meters, seven bastions, and two gates remain, along with two forts in the surrounding area that house museums and offer unique panoramic views.
What to do in Campeche during your end-of-year vacation?
For this holiday season, visiting this beautiful city is an excellent idea for several reasons. Its weather is ideal at this time of year, cool and pleasant for comfortably exploring every corner of the historic center.
In an interview with Mexico Travel Channel, Campeche’s Secretary of Tourism, Ada Solís, recommended visiting the Puerta de Tierra (Land Gate), an emblematic symbol of the city, the Baluarte de San Juan (San Juan Bastion), and the forts of San José and San Miguel, where you can explore archaeological museums and learn about the Mayan and colonial heritage.
“I’m in love with Campeche; not just its Magical Towns. Campeche has so much to offer, like its crafts, culture, and history. We’re the only state with a walled city.
“Its three Magical Towns are also something to be proud of and, of course, worth visiting: Candelaria, Palizada, and Isla Aguada,” she said.
She also stated that Campeche’s cuisine, with its blend of seafood flavors and local techniques, offers a culinary experience not to be missed, along with water activities for the whole family.
“You won’t regret visiting us. We have crafts, gastronomy, boat tours, and access to the most incredible dolphinarium in the world, all within the Pearl of the Gulf. You can enjoy the dolphins with all your senses,” she assured.
Source: mexicotravelchannel
