Overlooking the sea, the San Carlos Bastion has stood tall in the city of Campeche since the 17th century. When the Spanish colonized the city, it became a major trading port in the Mayan region—and an easy target for pirates. The San Carlos Bastion is one of five built to protect the city. Unbearably hot, the bastion’s sweltering basements became dungeons for buccaneers and criminals. When the War of Independence arrived, the cities were left to their fate, and Mexican wealth declined along with piracy. The bastions were abandoned and…
