Fort Real Felipe
El Callao
The Real Felipe Fortress is a historic military fortress located in the port city of Callao, Peru. Constructed between 1747 and 1774 under Spanish colonial rule, it was designed by French architect Louis Godin to protect the vital port from pirate attacks and corsair raids. The fortress features a distinctive irregular pentagonal layout with five bastions named after royal titles and saints, complemented by two large towers known as the King's and Queen's towers. It formed part of a defensive system collectively called "Los Castillos del Callao" along with the smaller forts San Miguel and San Rafael. The fortress played a crucial role during Peru's struggle for independence, enduring sieges and battles that marked the end of Spanish rule in South America. Today, it houses the Peruvian Army Museum, exhibiting historical military uniforms, weapons, and artifacts from various periods. Its Vauban-style architecture, massive stone walls sourced partly from nearby San Lorenzo Island, and strategic design make it one of the most important examples of colonial military architecture in the Americas. The fortress remains a key cultural and historical landmark in Peru, attracting visitors interested in military history and colonial heritage.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to visit during the dry season for the best weather and to check the official museum website for opening hours before planning their trip. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist periods. The museum offers discounts for students and seniors. Guided tours are available to enhance understanding of the fortress's history and architecture.
Faits intéressants
- •The fortress was built using stones from San Lorenzo Island and ruins caused by the 1746 earthquake.
- •It withstood a two-year siege that marked the end of Spanish presence in Peru and South America.
- •The fortress includes two large towers, the King's Tower and the Queen's Tower, which functioned as independent strongholds within the fortress.
- •Originally, the fortress was surrounded by a water-filled moat crossed by a drawbridge, a feature still symbolically represented today.
- •The fortress was renamed "Castle of Independence" by José de San Martín during the early republican period, but later reverted to its original name.
Histoire
The Real Felipe Fortress was commissioned after the devastating 1746 Lima–Callao earthquake destroyed earlier fortifications.
Construction began in 1747, following the design of French architect Louis Godin, and concluded in 1774 under Viceroy Manuel de Amat y Junient.
It was named in honor of King Felipe V of Spain.
In 1782, two smaller forts, San Miguel and San Rafael, were added to strengthen the defenses, forming the "Castillos del Callao" system.
The fortress was pivotal during the Peruvian War of Independence, enduring sieges from 1816 to 1826, including the notable surrender of Brigadier José Ramón Rodil y Campillo, which ended Spanish control in the region.
Guide du lieu
King's Tower (Torreón del Rey)18th century
Located on the King's bastion, this three-level tower housed iron and bronze cannons and served as a labyrinthine bunker designed to resist attacks. It featured a drawbridge as the only access point and was modified during the War of the Pacific to include rotating cannon platforms.
Queen's Tower (Torreón de la Reina)18th century
Situated on the Queen's bastion facing the sea, this tower stored munitions, provisions, and water. It contained a semicircular dungeon where prisoners stood. Modified during the War of the Pacific, the upper levels were replaced with platforms for rotating Vavasseur cannons, one of which remains on display.
Main Entrance (Puerta Principal)1747-1774
The main gate is located between the King's and San José bastions, originally featuring a drawbridge over a water moat. Today, it faces Independence Plaza and serves as the symbolic entry point to the fortress.
Governor's House (Casa del Gobernador)18th century
Situated at the San Carlos bastion, this building housed the military commander of the fortress. Its façade features carved coats of arms of Spanish monarchs. Currently, it exhibits military objects from the Inca period through the republican era.
Contact
Téléphone: (01) 4290532