We didn't have time for a great deal of sightseeing during our brief stopover in Campeche, Mexico, but one thing we did do was visit a portion of the old city wall that is open to tourists. The entire centro area of the city was walled in the past, but today only a few portions of the wall remain.
This was where we passed through on our way from the bus stop when walking to our hotel the day before. The largest gate is called "Puerta de Tierra", and an attendant collects a small fee to allow you to go up the stairs to the top, where excellent views of the city can be found. He tells you to ring the bell when you want to come back out as he locks the gate during your self-guided tour. There was only one other man and his son who were on the wall when we went up.
This was where we passed through on our way from the bus stop when walking to our hotel the day before. The largest gate is called "Puerta de Tierra", and an attendant collects a small fee to allow you to go up the stairs to the top, where excellent views of the city can be found. He tells you to ring the bell when you want to come back out as he locks the gate during your self-guided tour. There was only one other man and his son who were on the wall when we went up.
Puerta de Tierra
Old City Wall
It was fascinating seeing the tops of the colonial buildings. The hotel across the street had a lovely rooftop deck, and a huge tree growing from the courtyard.
Interesting views from above
Walking along the top of the wall, there was a big contrast between centro historico to the right and the modern city to the left.
Something that was fascinating to us was the discovery that some of the buildings in centro were truly just facades with ruins, trees, and foliage behind -- not actually habitable spaces in their current states. They look pretty from street level, but it's a bit deceptive!
These are a little more well-maintained...
Cannons from days gone by
I loved this technique of using small rocks to shore up the mortar...or is it only decorative? I'm not sure, but I liked it!
Looking out to the "modern" part of the city from the wall, we could see the local buses (not the ADO buses we've been taking on our travels from city to city) lining up to take people on their way to different parts of the city. The ADO station was quite a long walk from here. We'd be heading there a little later on this day.
Once we'd seen it all, it was time to ring the bell. Fun!
Fortunately the attendant did come and open the door to let us out.
The following display was built into the wall, as were the restrooms. A bit mysterious!
The sign says (literal translation) "I have to be brief while waiting". Hmmmmm...
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