This fortification is part of the architectural complex declared Historical and Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and, together with the fort of San Fernando, served as a prison and above all to complement the defense of Bocachica Pass was added a Fort-Battery, which faced to the San Fernando, it made impenetrable enemy access to the outer bay.

The Fort-Battery of San Jose had the mission to protect and block access to the Cartagena bay of pirates. For this, it had seven bomb-proof vaults and a raised platform of two alignments formed by the Battery of Punta Abacus, of fourteen embrasures, and the Varadero Battery, of seven cannons.

Built by the engineer Juan de Herrera and Sotomayor at the beginning of the 18th century between the islands of Tierrabomba and Barú, the fort of San José impeded the free passage through the Bocachica channel.

Located on a small island just in front of Fort San Fernando, these two controlled the passage of ships between the island of Tierrabomba and the peninsula of the island of Barú.