Cartagena is an important tourist city and there are several sites to discover. The city is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its walls, fortresses, monuments, colonial architecture, narrow streets, flowered balconies, many beaches and beautiful islands nearby.
Here is a list of sites and places to discover:
The Wall: The old city of Cartagena, its historic center, is surrounded by 11 km of wall (8 km remain) that protected the city from sustained attacks by enemies of the crown and aggressive pirates. It must be remembered that during the colonial era, Cartagena was considered the largest port in America and ships left with great wealth and fabulous treasures to Spain.
The Monastery of La Popa: The Monastery of La Candelaria or La Popa is located on a small mountain that offers a spectacular view of Cartagena de Indias. With a height of 145 meters. La Popa remains the most important point of reference when arriving in Cartagena. The mountain was named this way by the navigators because it resembled a boat.
San Felipe de Barajas Castle: Located on the top of San Lázaro Hill, this former military complex is the largest built in America. It was erected in this strategic location in order to observe invasions into the city by land or through the Bay of Cartagena.
The Clock Tower: The main entrance to the old city of Cartagena de Indias is through the public gate or clock tower. At first, the clock tower had only one arch to enter, the middle one. Originally, the gate had an armoury and a chapel inside and was replaced by the other two arches in the 18th century.
The streets of the Historic Center: One of the most beautiful things to see in Cartagena de Indias is to appreciate the colonial buildings of great beauty. The architecture is impressive with wooden balconies and omnipresent flowers. The streets are small and you can hear the sound of the hooves of the hair while taking a ride in a carriage.
San Pedro Claver Church: The construction of the monastery and the church of San Pedro Claver was built in the 17th century by the Jesuits and originally it was called San Ignacio de Loyola. The facade of the church is made, as is the case with most of the buildings in the old town, of coraline stones which are famous in the region.
Santa Catalina Cathedral: The Cathedral of Cartagena is majestic and strikingly beautiful. Its construction began in 1575, but in 1586, when only the tower remained to be built, the pirate Francis Drake partially destroyed it. Construction resumed between 1598 and 1612 with the addition of several things such as the Florentine-style dome at the very top and the addition of marble on the main façade.
The Church of Santo Domingo: The oldest preserved construction in Cartagena is that of the Church of Santo Domingo, since its construction was undertaken in the years 1550-1560. During the construction, they noticed that the cement was not strong to support the walls and that this involved risks of collapse. To solve this problem, they built counter walls that were then arranged on the street next door where we can see the supports.
Bolivar Park: Located in the heart of the historic center of Cartagena, Bolivar Park is filled with majestic trees and surprising height. Water fountains bring great freshness to city dwellers and visitors to rest on carved stone tubs.
Customs Square: Customs Square is the largest of the squares and also the most beautiful in architecture, color and places to see. In the center, the statue of Christopher Columbus enjoys a privileged place. The name of this square comes from the old customs house during the colonial era, but which nowadays is occupied by the town hall building.
Carriage Square: Entering through the Clock Gate, you will find the Carriage Square where in the past, the trading of black slaves from Africa took place. Today, this square is the meeting place for horse-drawn carriages to take a stroll through the historic center of the city. The Portal de Los Dulces is also very close to the square. In the center of the square stands the statue of Pedro de Heredia who is the founder of the city of Cartagena de Indias.
Las Bovedas: If you visit the San Diego area, your visit will be incomplete without seeing the famous Bovedas. Located between the Santa Clara and Santa Catalina walls, they have 47 arches and 23 vaults. This building was erected between 1792 and 1798 in the last colonial era. During this time and the first years of independence, Las Bovedas were used as a prison.
Rosario Islands: Located near Barú Island about 45 minutes by speedboat, the Rosario Islands are surrounded by crystal clear waters and abundant corals of surprising colors. With a number of 27 islands, this place offers quiet accommodations and a multitude of activities for all tastes.
The Fortress of San Fernando: The Fort of San Fernando is located on the island of Tierrabomba in Bocachica. It forms, together with the Fort of San Jose, the necessary protection by controlling access to the Bay of Cartagena. Built during the 17th century, they also served as a prison due to their difficult access and the security they offered.
Totumo Volcano: Located between Cartagena and Barranquilla, in the village of Piojó, Totumo Volcano has an elevation of only 15 meters and its crater is 3 meters in diameter. A popular belief claims that the mud has therapeutic or medicinal properties for the skin.
Bocagrande Beach: The most famous beach in Cartagena de Indias is Bocagrande, which is located on the peninsula south of the historic center. The beach is of golden sand and there are plenty of hotels to accommodate all tastes. The Bocagrande neighborhood is full of restaurants and bars with a very busy avenue, San Martin.
The Monument of the Old Boots: As we go around the Castle of San Felipe, we discover a most original monument, that of the old boots. Two enormous bronze boots are placed in honor of a poet from Cartagena, Luis Carlos López, author of a famous composition.
The Monument of India Santa Catalina: This work was created by the sculptor Eladio Gil who symbolizes the first nation in Cartagena of Indias. Located at the crossroads of Pedro de Heredia Avenue and Venezuela, India Catalina tells the story of a great warrior who was born in a nearby town, Galerazamba and she was captured by Alonso de Ojeda in 1509.
Rafael Nuñez House: The Rafael Nuñez house was acquired in 1848 by Doña Soledad Román’s father, from a fisherman named Nicolás Ballesteros. About ten years later, the house was burned down by a fire and a second construction was undertaken. Right next door is the Rafael Nuñez monument in the Apolo Park and also the El Cabrero hermitage.
