Treasure Vaults full of gold and silver across Central and South America were held here at Castillo de San Felipe
I’m here in CartaHana Colombia tracking down a historic fortress. How did a legendary invincible fortress protect a billion-dollar Spanish fortune?
So just Imagine a 186 ship fleet and over 27,00 troops unable to destroy a fortress in a single battle. Imagine a fortification that was never conquered.
What made this fortress of unparalleled strength withstand one of the most massive sieges in history?
How did it protect the largest treasure vault in the New World, holding billions in gold and silver?
This is a legend that ensured Spain’s dominance in the Caribbean and South America while keeping it secure against pirates, privateers, and foreign invaders?
This is the untold story of how the most powerful fortress in the Americas safeguarded a global empire’s fortune making it one of the most fascinating chapters of history.
Let’s uncover how Castillo de San Felipe stood as the last line of defense for Spain’s treasures, and how it helped secure the empire's unrivaled wealth for centuries.
I’m diving deep into the untold secrets of this legendary stronghold, and I’ve got a YouTube video coming soon on my channel, Traveling on the Go. Stay tuned!
Here are 10 fascinating facts about Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas in Cartagena, Colombia:
The Strongest Fortress in the Americas – Built by the Spanish in 1657, it was designed to be impenetrable, guarding Cartagena, the key port for Spain’s vast gold and silver shipments.
Never Conquered – Despite multiple attacks, including a massive siege by the British in 1741 with 186 ships and 27,000 troops, the fortress never fell to enemy hands.
A Masterpiece of Military Engineering – Its triangular shape, sloped walls, and multiple levels were designed to deflect cannon fire and make assaults nearly impossible.
Underground Tunnels – A network of secret tunnels runs beneath the fortress, built for reinforcements, supplies, and sabotage, with designs that amplified enemy footsteps.
Built on a Hill for Maximum Defense – Perched on San Lázaro Hill, it provided a 360-degree view of the city and harbor, making it nearly impossible for enemies to approach undetected.
Fortress of Gold Protection – Cartagena was Spain’s main treasure port, where fleets loaded gold, silver, and jewels from South America before sailing to Spain—making it a prime target for pirates and rival nations.
Designed to Survive Long Sieges – It had massive food and water reserves, plus storage for tons of gunpowder to withstand extended attacks.
British Defeat in 1741 Changed History – After failing to capture the fort, Britain abandoned plans to dominate the Caribbean, allowing Spain to remain the dominant power in the region.
Named After a Spanish Admiral – It honors San Felipe de Barajas, a Spanish military leader known for his defense of the Spanish Empire.
Still Standing Today – Despite centuries of warfare, Castillo de San Felipe remains one of the best-preserved colonial fortresses in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.