Real Felipe Fortress

The Real Felipe Fortress was built to defend the main Peruvian port and the city of Lima from pirates and corsairs during colonial times. The fortress was pivotal in the 1866 naval battle between a Spanish fleet sent to South America to "reclaim" its colonies and land batteries in the coast of Peru. The Real Felipe Fortress is currently the Peruvian Army Museum, displaying historical uniforms, weapons and other military paraphernalia.

History

Originally, the city of Lima, capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru, was protected by a surrounding wall. However, an earthquake that destroyed many parts of the wall in 1746 convinced the Viceroy José Antonio Manso de Velasco, Count of Superunda, that building a fortress in the port of Callao was the only solution to keep Lima safe. The name Real Felipe was chosen to honor the king Philip V of Spain. The fortress was designed by the French architect and mathematician Louis Godin. The construction started on January 21, 1747 and is considered to be one of the biggest fortifications built by Spain. It was completed after 30 years under the supervision of the Viceroy Manuel de Amat y Juniet in 1774. For the next four decades fortress saw little action and was first used to contain the rebellions seeking the Independence of Peru. (See Peruvian War of Independence.) The fort was also the last place the Spanish held on the South American mainland. General José Ramón Rodil y Campillo held out there until January 23, 1826, fourteen months after the Battle of Ayacucho.

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Torzin S
11 May 2016
The King Tower is the most interesting part at least in the view of foreigner. The design of maze-liked interior is really amazing.
Jessica Chavez de Aleman
25 March 2016
Quieres saber algo más de historia? Tienes que venir aquí! atienden de 9:00 am a 4:00pm, precio s/. 10 adultos y 6 niños, duración 2 horas con un descanso de 15 min, cuenta con una cafetería dentro.
Jessica Chavez de Aleman
25 March 2016
Atienden de 9 a 4pm, precio 10 soles adultos y 6 niños, dura 2 horas con un intermedio de 15 min. Cuenta con una cafetería dentro, vale la pena!!
Laly Chau
10 June 2016
Tienen que venir, los tour son divertidos e interesantes. Recomendado al 100%. Estudiantes tienen descuentos
Aldo Moreno
28 December 2015
Excelente museo, el recorrido lo haces aprox en hora y media. Lo recomiendo mucho.
Rodrigo Perez Fuentes
16 February 2016
Hermosa fortaleza del siglo XVIII con un interesante tour! Hay tour nocturnos más largos, preguntar por ellos
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Map
0.3km from Alberto Secada, Callao 07021, Peru Get directions
Fri 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Sat 10:00 AM–11:00 PM
Sun 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Mon 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Tue 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Wed 11:00 AM–4:00 PM

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