Campeche City, declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1999, was first colonized in 1517 when Francisco Hernandez reached the area to fill water supplies. In 1540 it was founded as the first Spanish settlement in the Yucatan Peninsula.  Campeche retains many of the old colonial Spanish city walls and forts built in the 1600s to protect the city from pirates.

Originally, the Spaniards lived inside the walled city, while the native Maya lived in the surrounding barrios of San Francisco, Guadalupe and San Roman.  These barrios still retain their original churches; the one in Guadalupe is almost 500 years old.  The city was terrorized by pirates until it was fortified in 1668 and soon after became the primary port and center of wealth in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Campeche grew to become a city of great mansions with high ceilings, iron balconies and majestic interior arches and some offer tours to the public.  More than 1600 facades of the Historical Center have been restored, including the neighborhoods of San Roman, San Francisco and Guadalupe.  These neighborhoods are close to the city center and can be found on city maps or simply by asking directions. 

Campeche Forts

To fortify the city, a large stone wall, shaped like a hexagon, was built around the city.  Although the wall is gone, 7 of the 8 original bulwarks (Baluartes) still exist and are now homes to museums, gardens and libraries. 

The city contained 4 main doors allowing access to the city.  The Land Gate (Puerta de Tierra), built in 1732, is now a museum open to the public. There is also a light and sound show on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights at 8 pm.  The other 3 doors are the Sea Gate (Puerta de Mar), Guadalupe and San Roman.

Fort San Jose and Fort San Miguel, located on each side of the city from nearby hills, further protected the city. These forts gave long-range artillery coverage and served also as look-outs.  Visitors can take tours and view collections of boats and weapons of the period as well as a collection of pre-Hispanic items.