In the late sixteenth century, around the Villa Rica de la Veracruz, a wall of nine defenses was built to ensure the protection of the city against attacks by pirates and privateers.

Erected in 1635, the Baluarte de Santiago (Santiago’s Bulwark) was one of them. Today, with thick and high walls, this fort is the only remnant of the military defense system of the city to remaining standing.

The other strongholds were destroyed in the late nineteenth century. Inside there is a museum that preserves various documents and objects from the colonial era and offers a small permanent exhibition of pre-Hispanic jewelry titled "Jewels of the Fisherman", composed of 42 pieces of Mixtec origin, bracelets, earrings and a chest known as the Chimalli.

Located on Avenida Francisco Canal between Gomez Farias and 16 de September, just two blocks from the Malecon of Veracruz, this fort was also known as "The Powder Keg" because of its cellar where the gunpowder was kept for the 22 guns at the structure. On the walls facing Avenida Gómez Farías, you can still see the bullet holes from the firing squad in 1812 of the Veracruz insurgents. 

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00am to 4:30pm.  Cost:  Adults: $41.00, Children under 13, students, teachers and people with INSEN credentials (National): free.  Admission is free on Sundays and public holidays.