Museo de la Piratería
Explore historic forts and museums dedicated to pirate history, offering stunning views and a glimpse into coastal defenses.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free entry hours
Museo de la Piratería
Best Time
Free entry hours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore historic forts and museums dedicated to pirate history, offering stunning views and a glimpse into coastal defenses.
"Beautiful place with incredible views and a rich history of pirate defense."
🎯 Free Entry Hours
Take advantage of free admission between 10 AM and 3 PM. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Walk the Walls
Explore the ramparts and imagine life as a soldier defending against attacks. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Castillo de Santa Bárbara Views
Lanzarote
Panoramic views of the island from this historic fortress, once a defense against pirates.
Fuerte San Felipe & Pirate Museum
Bacalar
Explore this impressive fort and museum detailing Bacalar's history and pirate encounters.
Campeche's Walled City
Campeche
Wander through the historic colonial district, once protected by formidable walls against pirate raids.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Pirate History
Embrace the Imagination
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry Hours
Take advantage of free admission between 10 AM and 3 PM.
🚶♀️ Walk the Walls
Explore the ramparts and imagine life as a soldier defending against attacks. :athletic_shoe:
✨ Use Your Imagination
The museum is small, but the history is vast. Let your mind wander to pirate times. :sparkles:
📸 Capture the Views
Enjoy stunning panoramic views from the higher reaches of the bastions. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry Hours
Take advantage of free admission between 10 AM and 3 PM.
🚶♀️ Walk the Walls
Explore the ramparts and imagine life as a soldier defending against attacks. :athletic_shoe:
✨ Use Your Imagination
The museum is small, but the history is vast. Let your mind wander to pirate times. :sparkles:
📸 Capture the Views
Enjoy stunning panoramic views from the higher reaches of the bastions. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the historical significance and the stunning views offered by the pirate museums and their associated forts. The accommodating staff and free entry periods are also highlighted as positives. However, some reviews point out that the museums can be small and that certain historical narratives presented may be controversial or biased.
"The staff was very accommodating, helping us understand what we could do which meant walking walls through a locked gate and ringing the bell to come down again! With a bit of imagination life for the soldiers on guard became evident."
Gregory Miller
"Beautiful place, my baby loved being there, they don't charge to visit the place"
Margarita Brito de la Cruz
"The story told and dramatized by the romantic night about the invasion, the Spanish conquest, and evangelization is bloody, unjust, and genocidal. This act supports atrocities and rapes. It's unbelievable that a historical space would represent such lies and indoctrination in favor of the conquest and the Catholic Church. A disgrace."
Mar Fior
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Museo de la Piratería is located within the Fuerte San Felipe, right next to the main square in Bacalar. It's easily accessible by foot if you're in the town center.
Yes, the Museo de la Piratería is located in the Castillo de Santa Bárbara in Lanzarote. It's a well-known historical site on the island.
Campeche's walled city is the historic colonial district. You can explore it on foot, and the Fuerte de San Felipe (which houses a pirate museum) is a key landmark within it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
In Lanzarote, entry to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara and its Museo de la Piratería is free between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
The Museo de la Piratería in Lanzarote offers free entry from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Yes, you can walk on the walls of some of these historical sites, offering incredible views. In Campeche, walking the walls provides insight into the city's defenses.
In Bacalar, nationals with an INE (National Institute of Statistics) receive a discounted admission price of $40 MXN for the Fuerte San Felipe.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museums preserve artifacts related to the region's history, particularly its defense against pirate attacks. You can learn about the lives of soldiers and the strategic importance of these forts.
Yes, children can enjoy visiting these historical sites. One reviewer mentioned their baby loved being there, and the staff was accommodating.
The Fuerte San Felipe was built to defend Bacalar from pirate attacks and now serves as a museum showcasing local history and pirate lore.
One review noted that the historical narrative of the Spanish conquest and evangelization can be perceived as bloody and unjust, supporting atrocities.
You can enjoy incredible views of the surrounding city and landscape from the higher reaches of these bastions.
📸 📸 Photography
The ramparts and higher sections of the fortresses offer excellent vantage points for panoramic photos of the city and surrounding areas. Drone shots can also capture the scale of these historical structures.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, especially for capturing the views and the exterior architecture. It's always good to check for any specific restrictions within museum exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The views from the ramparts can also be a highlight for younger visitors.💰 Budget Travelers
In Bacalar, the admission fee for the Fuerte San Felipe is quite affordable, especially for nationals with an INE. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during the golden hours for the best light.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Pirate Defense
+1The exhibits within these museums often showcase artifacts such as weaponry, naval equipment, and historical documents that shed light on the daily lives of those who manned the defenses and the tactics employed by both pirates and defenders. Understanding this history provides a deeper appreciation for the architecture and the stories embedded within these ancient walls.
While the romanticized image of pirates often dominates popular culture, the reality was a brutal struggle for survival and control of trade routes. These museums offer a glimpse into that often-overlooked historical context, highlighting the resilience and ingenuity of communities facing such threats.
Exploring Bacalar's Fuerte San Felipe
The fort's architecture is designed for defense, with thick walls and strategic placement to repel attackers. Inside, the Museo de la Piratería offers insights into the local Mayan history and the struggles faced by the community. One notable exhibit features the work of Elio Carmichael, which visually narrates parts of this history.
Visitors can explore the fort's grounds, imagine the historical events that unfolded there, and appreciate the views it offers. While the museum provides a valuable historical account, it's worth noting that some historical interpretations, particularly concerning the Spanish conquest, can be viewed critically.
Lanzarote's Coastal Defense: Castillo de Santa Bárbara
The castle's strategic location offers commanding views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal vantage point for spotting approaching enemy ships. Visiting the museum provides a look into the island's past and its defenses against piracy. The free entry hours between 10 AM and 3 PM make it an accessible attraction for many visitors.
The historical significance of the castle is undeniable, representing a period of vulnerability and resilience for the islanders. Beyond its historical context, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara is also appreciated for its scenic beauty and the impressive vistas it provides. It's a place where history and natural beauty converge, offering a unique experience for travelers.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit