San Juan de Ulua
The name of San Juan de Ulua is that in June 1518, the ships commanded by Captain Juan de Grijalva arrived at this website on the day of the feast of San Juan Bautista, the anchor Indians found that on arrival they repeated "Culua, Culua "meaning they" Ulua ". This place was a refuge for vessels anchored in Veracruz. The castle of San Juan de Ulua is one of the most renowned fortifications along the history of the Americas.
History
The Fort of San Juan de Ulua was begun in 1535, by order of the first viceroy of New Spain, Antonio 
de Mendoza, Spanish to protect vessels from strong winds, and the port from attacks by pirates and freebooters attracted for riches that were transported to Spain.
de Mendoza, Spanish to protect vessels from strong winds, and the port from attacks by pirates and freebooters attracted for riches that were transported to Spain.
Converted into a museum in 1984, this formidable fort is one of the most important historical monuments of Veracruz.
Browse the Fort of San Juan de Ulua is transported through nearly 500 years of history that still resonates in the halls: cells, cellars, dungeons and patios.
The experience is complemented by a large display of models and drawings that tell the development of the building.
And you can not miss the succulent stories the guides show the visitor how the famous English pirate Francis Drake, commanding six vessels, was surprised by a Spanish and defeated fleet in a naval battle against the walls of the fort, in 1568.
Or the risky escape, in 1885, of "Chucho" bandit, cheat and adored by the people for robbing the rich to help the poor. This character was then imprisoned in the Penitentiary of San Juan de Ulua, by further challenge social conventions with a forbidden love.
On a holiday visit to the Port of Veracruz, the Fort of San Juan de Ulua is a must.
Leaving the museum you can still enjoy the traditions of the city, like taking a milk coffee in the Gran Café de la Parroquia or stroll among the historic buildings of the Zocalo, the Cathedral of the Assumption, City Hall or Building Mail.