Cartagena

Cartagena was founded in June 1533, over time it became a key sea port for Peruvian silver to be shipped to Spain and for enslaved African arrivals. It was also defensible against pirate attacks from the Caribbean, especially after a wall was constructed around the city. Large sections of that wall remain intact today.

Modern Cartagena downtown has varied architecture, mainly colonial Spanish design, mixed with some Italian style buildings, such as the Cathedral's bell tower. For visitors Cartagena is an easy and stunning city, ideal to wander, especially within the walled sections where many fine examples of the Spanish colonial architecture are located.

Highlights

The main entrance to downtown is called Puerta del Reloj (Clock Gate) through which is Plaza de los Coches (Square of the Carriages) and Plaza de la Aduana (Customs Square).

San Pedro Claver Square and the church where the body of the Jesuit 'Saint of the African slaves' is kept in a casket. Here too is the Museum of Modern Art.

Plaza de Bolívar (Bolívar's Square) and the Palace of Inquisition and Plaza de Bolívar (formerly Plaza de La Inquisición) are surrounded by traditional balconied colonial buildings. There is a statue of Simón Bolívar at its centre and shaded outdoor cafes line the street.

Santa Domingo Square - another focal point for international visitors who are fascinated by Cartagena`s rich history. The Iglesia de Santo Domingo is in front of Plaza Santo Domingo. In the square is the sculpture Mujer Reclinada ("Reclining Woman"), and close by the Tcherassi Hotel, a 250-year-old delightfully renovated colonial mansion.

Castle of San Felipe de Barajas - twenty minutes walking from downtown is the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, located in el Pie de la Popa neighbourhood, one of the greatest fortresses built in 1657 by the Spaniards. Tunnels in this fortress were all constructed in such a way as to make possible hearing the footsteps on the cobbles of an approaching enemy. Some of these tunnels are open for visitors today. So too the 17th century Santa Cruz Monastery offering a glorious courtyard and a majestic image of the 0Virgen de La Candelaria".

Convent of the Nuns of the Order of Saint Clare, which is now the beautiful Hotel Santa Clara.

Santo Toribio Church, the last church built in this astonishing walled city, which is adjacent to Fernandez de Madrid Square, honours Cartagena's hero, Jose Fernandez de Madrid, whose statue can be seen nearby are all very much worthy of a visit.

Getsemani neighbourhood, south of the walled fortress was in its shrouded past, a nest of vipers and riddled with crime. However it has evolved over time to become 'Cartagena's hippest neighbourhood and is now one of Latin America's newest hotspots'. With historic plazas and original old buildings turned into awesome boutique hotels.

Bocagrande - rounding off historic Cartagena is the neighbourhood of Bocagrande (the Big Mouth) where much of the city's sought after hotels, shops, restaurants, nightclubs and art galleries are. Bocagrande is between the city and Cartagena Bay, where the beaches are of greyish volcanic sand, giving the appearance of the water being muddy, even though it isn't. Bocagrande has a seawalk, which at its centre is a statue of the Virgin Mary.

Playa Blanca and Islas del Rosario – visitors are encouraged to take a half day or full day boat cruise to the neighbouring Playa Blanca and Islas del Rosario where typically most have lunch and explore the aquarium.

Gastronomy - As for dining in Cartagena, the old town is the best of locations for restaurants. Typical dishes are great value for money and include wonderful varieties of fresh fish, chicken, coconut rice, fried plantains and fresh salads with fruit.

Cartagena is a truly astonishing, cultural and historically anointed city, which is highly recommended given the added enticements of the climate, Caribbean sea beaches, offshore islands and coral reefs, providing a range of wondrous places to explore, things to do and range of outdoor activities to immerse oneself in.