San Felipe de Barajas Castle: an icon of Cartagena and pride of Colombia
To visit Cartagena de Indias is to enter a city where history breathes from every stone. And among all its treasures, one stands imposing over the city as a living testimony of its legacy: the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas, one of the most important fortresses of the continent and today, one of the most visited places by national and international travelers.
Recently awarded Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice 2025 award, this emblematic castle stands out not only for its military architecture, but also for being a fundamental part of Colombia’s and the world’s cultural heritage.
A jewel declared a Unesco World Heritage Site
Built in 1536 by the Spaniards and expanded in several stages until the 18th century, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is a feat of military engineering of its time. Its complex network of tunnels, walls and passages was designed to defend the city from attacks by land and sea, resisting numerous sieges.
For its historical, cultural and architectural value, this fortress was included in the Unesco World Heritage List, along with the entire walled historic center of Cartagena. It is, without a doubt, one of the most recognizable icons of the country and a must for every visitor.
Recognitions that consolidate it as a first class tourist destination.
In 2025, Castillo de San Felipe was recognized with Tripadvisor’s prestigious Travellers’ Choice award, a distinction that places it among the most valued tourist attractions globally by thousands of travelers.
This recognition not only celebrates its beauty and historical importance, but also the experience it offers to those who walk through it: panoramic views of the city, subway tunnels full of mystery, and the possibility of imagining, step by step, how Cartagena defended itself from pirates and enemy powers.
A cultural tour within walking distance of Mustique hotels
Located just minutes from the historic center, the Castillo de San Felipe is an ideal visit for those staying at Mustique hotels. Our concierges will be happy to coordinate a guided tour that allows you to explore this fortress in context, detail and comfort.
Whether in the morning, as part of a cultural walk, or in the late afternoon, when the sun goes down and the castle turns golden, this visit becomes an unforgettable moment of the trip.
A symbol of national identity and pride
San Felipe Castle is not only a tourist attraction: it is a symbol of resistance, strategy and identity. It represents centuries of history that forged the character of Cartagena and Colombia.
Its conservation, its relevance in the national narrative and its international recognition make it an obligatory stop for those who wish to understand the soul of this Caribbean city.
Stay at Mustique and discover Cartagena’s history with elegance
From any of our boutique hotels located in colonial houses in the historic center, you can enjoy Cartagena at your own pace. Far from mass tourism and close to the authentic. With the accompaniment of our team, your visit to the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas will be much more than a stroll: it will be an intimate encounter with history.
Discover Cartagena. Long live his legacy. Stay with Mustique.
