Campeche: pirate-proof city.

Once the second most important port in Mexico, campeche tells tales of pirate invasions, Spanish galleons laden with treasures, and bustling trade routes that shaped the New World. Its fascinating maritime history makes Campeche a destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

Attacked so frequently by pirates in the 17th century, Campeche armed itself with its impressive wall: a hexagonal defense system protected by UNESCO that stands until today as testimony to this tumultuous period.

The rich age of trade

During the colonial era, Campeche emerged as a vital commercial hub, second only to Veracruz in importance. The port's strategic location on the Gulf of Mexico made it the perfect gateway for exporting the region's precious dyewood, salt, and agricultural products. Spanish galleons would dock in Campeche's harbor, loading up with valuable cargo before setting sail for Europe. The city's economic prosperity during the 16th and 17th centuries is still evident today in its grand colonial mansions and ornate churches, built with fortunes made through maritime trade.

Pirates of the Caribbean, Campeche edition.

Campeche's wealth didn't go unnoticed by the infamous pirates roaming the Caribbean. The city suffered more than 20 major pirate attacks between 1558 and 1685, with notorious buccaneers such as Laurence De Graaf, Henry Morgan, and Francis Drake all taking their turn to raid its treasures. The constant threats from sea bandits eventually led Spanish authorities to construct the impressive fortified wall that now defines Campeche's historic center – a magnificent defensive system that stands as testimony to the city's tumultuous past.

The Walled City: A fortress by the sea.

In response to relentless pirate attacks, Campeche transformed itself into a formidable fortress. The construction of the city walls began in 1686 and took over 18 years to complete. The massive defensive system included eight bastions, four gates, and walls measuring 2.5 meters thick in some places. Today, seven of these bastions remain and have been converted into museums, gardens, and cultural spaces. The Puerta de Tierra (Land Gate) and Puerta del Mar (Sea Gate) lead into the historic city center, where narrow cobblestone streets wind between colorful buildings and charming plazas that whisper stories of a bygone era.

Currently, the Naval Museum Baluarte de San José, the Baluarte de San Carlos City Museum, and El Palacio Cultural Center explore the maritime history of Campeche. 

Each year, the city remembers its pirate history through the "Commemoration of the Defense of Campeche," part of the Carnival festivities, with historical reenactments and a parade.