Veracruz - Port

It is worth visiting the port, where a walk along the quayside (Malecón) enables the visitor to observe the harbour activities. There is also the opportunity to take a boat trip to the great island fortress, the Castillo de San Juan de Ulúa, which is a landmark and symbol for the whole city. In 1528 the Spanish began to build the fort, which was intended to protect the coast from pirate attacks, in which aim it was, however, not always successful. In the 19th c. the fortress became a notorious prison with cells which would often be under water at high tides. The island is also connected to the city by a road.