Fuerte de San Diego & Fortín Álvarez

The Fuerte de San Diego, one of Acapulco’s most significant historical landmarks, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of early settlers and the old pirates who roamed these shores. Perched atop thick, star-shaped walls, its cannons still face the ocean, guarding the city that has flourished around it. Originally built in 1616, the fortress was destroyed by an earthquake in 1776 and reconstructed in 1783, preserving its historic essence.

While not as ornate as colonial sites in Mexico City or Taxco, the Fuerte de San Diego features intriguing exhibits housed in the Acapulco Historical Museum. The museum showcases the city’s vibrant commercial past, its maritime history, and the era of pirates. Additionally, it boasts one of Acapulco’s finest bookstores—small but carefully curated with quality selections.

For history enthusiasts and fans of pirate lore, the Fuerte de San Diego is a must-see. Though modest in scale, it provides an engaging way to spend a few hours learning about Acapulco’s roots and its historical contrast to the city’s modern beaches and nightlife.

Fortín Álvarez

A fortín is a small, fortified outpost connected to a larger fort, designed to store armaments and provide a defensive stronghold for nearby residents. These structures, resembling bunkers and arsenals, were strategically built by the Spanish along the ridges overlooking Acapulco. They served as an early warning system for approaching ships or land incursions.

The Fortín Álvarez, located on "Cerro de la Mira" (translated as "Lookout Ridge"), is one of the best-preserved examples of these fortifications. Built in 1616 alongside the Fuerte de San Diego, it served as a gunpowder magazine to avoid the dangers of storing explosive materials within the main fort. Nearby, you’ll find the remains of a keeper’s house and a foundry.

Despite some recent neglect, the site remains a significant historical landmark, offering insights into Acapulco’s 17th-century history and its defensive strategies during colonial times. You can visit the Fortín Álvarez at Avenida Fortín Álvarez, Cerro de la Mira, Acapulco, Gro., Mexico.