Bocachica: Fortifications and History

Bocachica, on Tierrabomba, is shaped by several historic fortifications. For travelers choosing the destination for its architecture and military history, it is worth comparing the different architectural forms and historical functions. In addition to the forts, traveling by lancha is another practical detail to plan for your stay.

Traveling by lancha

A lancha to Bocachica on Tierrabomba departs from Muelle Turístico la Bodeguita in the Centro Histórico. You need to pay for a ticket and the port departure fee. Include both costs in your plans and confirm the payment requirements locally before departure, as they may change.

Vaulted structures and defensive lines at Fuerte de San José

Fuerte de San José has seven bombproof vaulted structures and a raised platform with two defensive lines. Batería de Punta Abanico has fourteen embrasures, while Batería Varadero has seven cannons. These numbers and features show how the complex is laid out: the vaulted structures and the two batteries are distinct parts of the fort.

Terrain and features of Batería del Ángel San Rafael

Antonio de Arévalo built Batería del Ángel San Rafael in 1762 during the war against the English. Its irregular crescent-shaped plan follows the terrain. A narrow but deep dry ditch surrounds the battery. The complex includes a Casa Fuerte, a Tendal, a watchtower and a cistern; the former garrison kitchen has also been preserved. This makes it possible to understand the site not only through its shape, but also through its different features.

Batería de Santa Bárbara and its tunnels

Construction of Batería de Santa Bárbara began in 1752 at a place called Puerta de Remedia Pobres, now part of the village of Bocachica. The fortification had twelve cannons, a rectangular plan, a ditch and a low profile. Part of the structure still remains near the Bocachica pier. Several tunnels connected Santa Bárbara to Batería del Ángel San Rafael. They allowed troops to move safely between the two fortifications in the event of an attack. This connection illustrates the tunnels’ defensive purpose at the time.

Fuerte de San Fernando during the independence period

At the beginning of the 19th century, during the struggle for independence from the Spanish Crown, Fuerte de San Fernando served as a prison for some independence leaders. The historic fortification complex included the Santiago and San Juan Francisco Regis batteries, as well as galleries, countermines and firing positions. In the event of a land attack, controlled explosions could be triggered from these firing positions. These functions offer a different perspective on military history than the layouts and features of the other fortifications.

Comparing architectural forms

Batería de Santa Bárbara stands out for its rectangular plan, while Batería del Ángel San Rafael has an irregular crescent-shaped plan adapted to the terrain. The dates also point to different historical reference points: construction of Santa Bárbara began in 1752, and Ángel San Rafael was built in 1762. San Fernando is presented here primarily in terms of its role as a prison at the beginning of the 19th century.

Discover more destinations: Manzanillo, Galerazamba, El Carmen de Bolívar, La Siriaca, El Jobo, Montecristo, San Basilio Del Palenque, Mompós.

For the broader travel overview: Bolívar.