Little Lauren Travels

USA - 16-Mar-25 -

In search of UNESCO sites, I have certainly visited more Spanish and Portuguese forts than any sane person would.  And there’s not much unique about this one.  However, it is similar to many enlisted properties and it was very historically important.   To be exact, this is the oldest Spanish fort in North America (started in 1535) and was one of the most important during the colonial era, since Veracruz was the main seaport connecting Central America and Spain during the colonial era.  Therefore I give this a thumbs up as a nomination. Given the revamped listing in 2022, I could see Mexico moving forward with a nomination.  Plus, the east coast of Mexico is woefully without UNESCO sites compared to other areas of the country, and Veracruz itself was a pleasant city to visit 

The fort is about 15 minutes from the historic center, and is actually part of a secured area for the navy/shipyard.  I had a rental car to visit Tlacotaplan the following day, and so I drove myself. It would also be easy to take a taxi or a cheesy tourist boat from the malecon (about it ten minutes from the historic center).  There were also group tours and a good number of buses.  For self drive parking was 50 pesos per car, and entrance was another 100 per person.  Since Veracruz is a big city with an international airport, this is very accessible.  It’s also under two hours from Tlacotaplan, another UNESCO site.  English was not widely spoken.