Fodor's Expert Review Fuerte de San Diego

With all of its modern resort hotels, you might never guess that Acapulco was Mexico's most important port during colonial times. The city's fort was built in 1616 to protect its lucrative harbor and wealthy citizens from pirate attacks. Although it was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1776, it was entirely restored within seven years. Today the fort houses the excellent Museo Histórico de Acapulco (Acapulco History Museum), where bilingual videos and text explain exhibits tracing the city's history from the first pre-Hispanic settlements 3,000 years ago through the exploits of pirates like Sir Francis Drake, the era of the missionaries, and up to Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821. There are also displays of precious silks, Talavera tiles, exquisitely hand-tooled wooden furniture, and delicate china. A visit to the fort is a wonderful way to learn about and appreciate the history of this old port city.