5 places you must visit in Cartagena de Indias
Cartagena has these beautiful places
Cartagena de Indias, located in Colombia, is an iconic destination on the Caribbean coast. This beautiful city captivates tourists with its unique combination of history, culture and natural beauty.
Cartagena, with its historic walls to its spectacular beaches, is a city that offers a unique experience to travelers. If you are looking for a vacation full of excitement, here we are going to show you 5 places you must visit in Cartagena de Indias. These places are the most emblematic, each with its own essence and special attraction.
1. Ciudad Amurallada
In the heart of Cartagena lies a labyrinth of colors and history, a charming historic district surrounded by impressive walls built in the 16th century. Ciudad Amurallada, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place of cobblestone streets, vibrant squares and colorful houses that transport you back in time.
Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich mix of history and modern life, where you will find sites such as:
- Plaza Santo Domingo: Surrounded by restaurants, craft stores and street musicians, it is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and watch the people go by.
- Palace of the Inquisition: A colonial building, once the seat of the Holy Office, it now houses a museum that narrates the history of the Inquisition in America.
- Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría: An imposing religious temple that stands out for its baroque architecture and gilded altarpiece.
2. Castle of San Felipe de Barajas
One of the most imposing monuments in Colombia, located in Cartagena, is the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas. Built by the Spanish in the 17th century to protect the city from pirate attacks and enemies, this fort is a marvel of military engineering.
Its robust architecture and subway tunnels offer a fascinating experience for visitors. In addition, the panoramic views from the castle show the beautiful bays that Cartagena has.
3. Zenú Gold Museum
Located in the heart of the Walled City, there is a place for lovers of pre-Columbian history, where handicrafts tell us how it was the times before, you will find it in the Zenú Gold Museum.
This important museum exhibits a collection of artifacts from the Zenú civilization, such as gold, ceramics and textiles. It also has an impressive collection of gold work and ceramics from the Zenú culture, which inhabited this region thousands of years ago. Its masterfully crafted pieces offer a window into the past and reveal the sophistication of this ancient civilization.
4. Getsemaní
Cartagena de Indias has much more to offer besides its historic center and beautiful beaches. The neighborhood of Getsemaní, with its bohemian atmosphere and colorful murals, is located near the Walled City.
This vibrant neighborhood is noted for its colorful murals, cozy cafes and lively nightlife. Getsemaní is the ideal place to experience local culture, enjoy live music and explore craft stores and art galleries.
The creative energy and unique character of Getsemaní make each visit an enriching experience.
5. San Pedro Claver Monastery
A sanctuary of faith and justice, the San Pedro Claver Monastery represents a place of profound historical and spiritual importance in Cartagena. This monastery has a baroque style, and today is an example of the religious architecture of the seventeenth century.
The monastery is dedicated to St. Peter Claver, the patron saint of slaves, which offers a poignant perspective on the history of slavery in Cartagena and the humanitarian work done by St. Peter Claver.
In addition, the monastery has a museum that shows the history of St. Peter Claver and his work, who dedicated his life to the defense of the rights of African slaves arriving in Cartagena. Here you can find personal objects, historical documents and works of art related to his life and mission.
