Located on the hill of San Lazaro, this former military complex is the largest construction in America. This strategic place was created in order to observe the invasions in the city by land or by the Bay of Cartagena.
Its construction began in 1536 and ended in 1657, therefore cost more than a century in its construction. The castle received the name of San Felipe in honor to a sovereign. Triangular in shape, it has four control posts and eight cannons.
It resisted to several assaults especially to the attack to the city in 1741 by the English troops of Admiral Vernon, was taken only once, I mean, in 1697 by the commander and French baron of Pointis.
In 1762, a decision was made to strengthen the defense of Fort San Felipe to protect against threats of war with the English. Thus, the military engineer, Antonio de Arévalo, was responsible for turning the castle into an impenetrable fortress. Well, 63 canyons and high walls that would be impossible to climb. Inside, multiple tunnels, galleries, slopes and mines to destroy it in case the enemy will grab the castle.
Finally, the castle was restored in 1928. A statue of Commander General Don Blas de Lezo is placed at the entrance to highlight the defense of Cartagena during Vernon's attack in 1741.
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