Step back in time to an era where Veracruz pirate attacks, buried treasures, and cannonballs were a part of daily life. Gold and silver was abundant, and Mexico was still known as New Spain.
San Juan de Ulúa History
On an islet southeast of Mexico City along the Gulf of Mexico, San Juan de Ulúa once buzzed with activity in the 16th century during Veracruz's viceregal era. San Juan de Ulúa served as a wharf for galleons where goods were transported to the mother country of Spain and where travelers could find shelter. But the high traffic of gold and silver made San Juan de Ulúa too tempting.
Frequent pirate attacks on Veracruz led to the construction of a fortified complex in 1535, under the direction of Antonio de Mendoza, the first viceroy of New Spain. San Juan de Ulúa became a small city of sorts, complete with drawbridges, moats, and even torture chambers.
Spaniards continued to run San Juan de Ulúa even years after Mexico's independence, and was the last land in Mexico held by Spain. San Juan de Ulúa's bloody history continued even after the Spaniards withdrew control of the old Spanish fortress.
Later, San Juan de Ulúa became a high-security prison that held political prisoners such as former Mexican president Benito Juárez. The prison also held legendary bandit Chucho El Roto, who stole from the rich to give to the poor. Chucho El Roto managed to escape from San Juan de Ulúa, but was captured and returned to the old Spanish fortress.
There authorities whipped Chucho El Roto so severely that he had to be taken to a hospital, where he eventually died. Legend has it that Chucho El Roto staged his own death and escaped from San Juan de Ulúa one final time. His remains were never found.
Visiting San Juan de Ulúa
Visiting San Juan de Ulúa can impress even the most well-traveled visitor with its history, massive size, and mystery. Located next to Veracruz's present-day port, visitors are also reminded of the city's modern contributions to Mexico. Veracruz culture, history, and things-to-do, make visiting Veracruz City worthwhile.
A causeway joins the Veracruz mainland to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress. There's no public tranporation there anymore, so visitors should take a taxi there and back.
- Doors open at 9 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m.
- Admission is free on Sundays.
- San Juan de Ulúa is closed on Mondays.
- Tour guides are available at the entrance, but they usually wait until a large group is formed to begin.
Once inside visitors can check out the small museum (descriptions are in Spanish only), roam through former dark dungeons, or walk through the ornate patio of Veracruz's coral-stone fort.
Nancy Flores - My freelance work, which ranges from writing articles, producing and editing online video and shooting photos, focuses on Mexican travel, ...
