Fuerte de San Diego - Acapulco, Gro. Mexico
N 16° 50.987 W 099° 54.160
14Q E 403837 N 1863156
Located on a hill in the heart of downtown Acapulco, Fort San Diego stands out because of its singular geometric design in the shape of a five point star.
Waymark Code: WME10A
Location: Guerrero, Mexico
Date Posted: 03/19/2012
Views: 8
This beautifully restored pentagonal fort was built in 1616. Its mission was to protect the Spanish galleons that conducted trade between the Philippines and Mexico.
After a 1776 earthquake damaged most of Acapulco, the fort had to be rebuilt. It remains basically unchanged today, having been recently restored by the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH).
“The building is unique by its design, in it were applied architectural concepts more advanced of the era, this characteristic converts it into a master work of the military engineering of all the times. Its plant, in a way pentagonal, permits the self-defense by all the flanks, furthermore surrounds it a dry pit. Would house to two thousand men with provisions and ammunitions for a year, since account with an efficient system to capture, concentrate and preserve the rainwater and numerous domed rooms about central courtyard.”
The fort is home to the Museo Histórico de Acapulco, which has fascinating exhibits detailing the city's history, with Spanish and English captions.
The Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 AM until 6:30 PM. Tuesday through Saturday admission is $30.00 pesos per person. Sundays admission is free. Free admittance to students with school I.D.
Address:
\Calle Hornitos s/n, Centro
39300 Acapulco, Gro. Mexico
References:
Lonely Planet: (
visit link)
Acapulco.com: (
visit link)
Tour By Mexico: (
visit link)