Veracruz Sights

  1. Baluarte de Santiago

    Until 1880 Veracruz was a walled city surrounded by mighty medieval defenses. Baluarte de Santiago, the only surviving fort of nine, was built in 1526 beside what was then the waterfront. A small exhibit of pre-Hispanic gold jewelry is inside. The price covers admission to the fort's interior, but you can walk around the outside battlements for free.

    Read more about Baluarte de Santiago

  2. Faro Carranza

    Facing the waterfront on the malecón, Faro Carranza holds a lighthouse and navy offices guarded by a large statue of Venustiano Carranza. It was here that the 1917 Mexican Constitution was drafted. Every Monday morning the Mexican navy goes through an elaborate parade in front of the building.

    Read more about Faro Carranza

  3. Malecón

    Veracruz' harbor is a busy oil port with rigs off the coast, but that somehow adds to the gritty romanticism of the waterfront walk on the Malecón, starting at the rows of vendor stalls of Plaza de las Artesanías that sell a kaleidoscopic of souvenirs. You'll pass the high-rise Pemex building, an early example of modern Mexican architecture with some interesting murals.

    Read more about Malecón

  4. San Juan de Ulúa

    San Juan de Ulúa, the fortress protecting Veracruz harbour, was originally an island, but it's now connected to the mainland by a causeway. Cortés arrived here in 1519 and the island subsequently became the main entry point for Spanish newcomers to Mexico.

    Read more about San Juan de Ulúa