Discover the charm of the walled city
Cartagena de Indias, the beating heart of the Colombian Caribbean! Within the historic walls of this city, a fascinating journey through time awaits you, where every corner has a story to tell and every cobblestone street invites you to discover more. Get ready for an unforgettable experience in this magical city!
Clock Tower
Start your adventure at the Clock Tower, This is the main access to the walled city and one of its most iconic symbols. The tower was built in the 17th century and is a popular meeting point.
This imposing symbol of the 17th century is the ideal starting point to explore Cartagena. Just past the tower, you will find the vibrant Plaza de los Coches, a former slave market converted into a square full of life and color, surrounded by colonial buildings with balconies adorned with flowers.
Customs Square
Proceed towards the Customs Square, the largest in the walled city. Here is the Customs House, a majestic colonial building that currently houses government offices. The square is perfect for a break, enjoying its historical and elegant atmosphere.
This square was originally intended to serve as a parade ground, so administrative offices were built around it during the colonial era. There are the mansion where the founder of Cartagena, Pedro de Heredia, lived, and a statue in homage to Christopher Columbus.
San Pedro Claver Square
Don't miss the Plaza de San Pedro Claver, home to the impressive church and convent dedicated to San Pedro Claver, the "apostle of slaves." This place not only offers a history lesson, but also a spiritual experience. The statues and architecture of the square will transport you to another era.
In this place, the statue that the artist Enrique Grau made of San Pedro Claver (the Jesuit missionary who was called 'slave of the slaves') draws attention and contrasts with the avant-garde works made with scrap metal by Edgardo Carmona.< /p>
Saint Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral
Visit the majestic Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Proclamation Square. This cathedral is one of the oldest religious buildings in South America and its impressive façade will take your breath away.
It is officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and is a cathedral church of Catholic worship that pays tribute to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. It is located in the eastern corner of Bolívar Park, in the Plaza de la Proclamación, and is the episcopal seat of the Archbishop of Cartagena.
Zenú Gold Museum
Immerse yourself in indigenous culture at the Zenú Gold Museum, located in Plaza de Bolívar. This museum houses a fascinating collection of artifacts from the Zenú culture, including exquisite pieces of metalwork and ceramics.
This particular museum is dedicated to exhibiting the heritage of the Zenú archaeological area, located in the valleys of the Sinú and San Jorge rivers, where the departments of Córdoba, Sucre and part of Bolívar are located today. This region was inhabited between the 2nd centuries BC. C. and XV of our era by a diverse set of societies of which the best known is the Zenú people
Palace of the Inquisition
For history lovers, the Palace of the Inquisition is a mandatory stop. This colonial building houses the Cartagena Historical Museum, where you will learn about the inquisition and other dark and fascinating chapters in the city's history.
Old seat of the inquisition court of the Catholic Church, the building was built in 1770 in colonial and baroque style. In 1953, it became the headquarters of the Historical Museum of Cartagena. In reality, the palace is made up of three houses, two on the square and one more on the neighboring street, known as the House of the Dungeons.
The Walls and Bastions
You can't leave Cartagena without walking through its historic walls. Enjoy a sunset ride with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the city. Visit the bastions such as the Baluarte de Santo Domingo and the Baluarte de San Francisco Javier for a complete experience.
The walls of Cartagena were built to protect it from pirate attacks, due to the fame of the riches that this colonial city treasured, which had aroused the greed of Spain's rival powers, especially France and England.
Santo Domingo Square
Relax in Plaza Santo Domingo, one of the most lively squares in the city. Here you will find the famous bronze sculpture "Gertrudis" by artist Fernando Botero. Surrounded by restaurants and bars, it is the perfect place to enjoy local cuisine and the festive atmosphere.
Currently it is the most popular place in the walled area and is considered the center of the walled center. It is home to the iconic Gorda Gertrudis sculpture by master Fernando Botero and one of the most popular sculptures in the city, due to a legend. which says that if you touch her breasts you will have lasting love relationships.
House of Gabriel García Márquez
Although it is not open to the public, passing by the House of Gabriel García Márquez is a mandatory pilgrimage for fans of the Nobel Prize in Literature. Imagine the great Colombian writer working on his famous novels in this inspiring corner of Cartagena.
The house is unmistakable due to its modern style that stands out among the colonial buildings and is still owned by the Marquez family today. Although you cannot enter the interior, its façade deserves a photo for lovers of the author's work.
Heredia Theater
For a dose of culture, visit the Teatro Heredia, a beautiful Republican-style theater built in 1911. This place offers shows and cultural events that will allow you to immerse yourself in the artistic life of the city.
Its construction, in Italian style but with Caribbean influence, is due to Luis Felipe Jaspe, who, despite not having studied, is the architect of some of the most important works of the early 20th century, such as the Clock Tower of the Gate of the Mouth of the Bridge.
Sweet Portal
Finally, you can't leave without trying the traditional sweets at the Portal de los Dulces. This colorful market is perfect for purchasing edible souvenirs and delighting in the native flavors of Cartagena.
This colorful market is the perfect place to buy edible souvenirs and delight in the native flavors of the region. It is one of those places that have always been in Cartagena and that is a must-see in the walled area. It is unforgivable not to try the sweets and take some as gifts.
Imagine walking through cobblestone streets surrounded by imposing walls that whisper stories of pirates and conquerors. Here, in the walled city of Cartagena de Indias, every corner is full of life, color and unparalleled historical wealth. We invite you to get lost in its charming streets, marvel at its rich history and enjoy an experience that will remain engraved in your memory. Cartagena de Indias awaits you with open arms and an adventure that you will never forget.
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