Sights and landmarks in Cartagena

Sights and landmarks in Cartagena

1. See

   Casa de Rafael Núñez

   This wooden building was the home of the 19th-century poet and president Rafael Núñez (1825-1894). He wrote the text to the Colombian national anthem, and also participated writing the constitution which was in force from 1886 to 1991.

   Tue-Fri 09:00-17:30, Sat 10:00-17:30, Sun 10:00-16:00·COP$4,000

2. See

   Castillo de San Felipe

   A fortress designed by the Dutch engineer Richard Carr and built in 1657 by the Spanish for protection against pirates while shipping gold out to Europe. The largest fort the Spanish ever built in their colonies, this fort was conquered only once by French privateer Baron de Pointis in 1697. It's filled with an extensive maze of tunnels, which you can explore on a guided tour. Don't miss the 24-minutes long video that tells the history of the fortress.

   Open now · closes 6 pm·COP$30,000 (foreigner). Audio guide COP$10,000

3. See

   Catedral de Santa Catalina

   A three-naved cathedral which is rather crude on the inside, but has an impressive tower.

   Tue-Sun 09:30-18:30·COP$10,000

4. See

   Convento & Iglesia de San Pedro Claver

   Named after Pedro Claver (1580-1654), a Spanish Jesuit who worked for 40 years for the rights and the wellbeing of the slaves in the city. He was beatified in 1888, and in 1985 named the patron saint of human rights. His relics are visible in a crystal arch under the altar. Moreover, on the second floor you can visit the room where he lived the last times of his life and died. On the second floor there is also an exhibition of Afro-Caribbean art.

   Mon-Sat 08:00-17:00, Sun 08:00-16.30·COP$6,000

5. See

   Iglesia de Santo Domingo

   Not far from the cathedral is the oldest church in Cartagena. Santo Domingo on the eponymous square has been here since 1552. You can rent audio guides, available in many languages.

   Tue-Sat 09:00-19:00, Sun 12:00-20:00·COP$10,000

6. See

   La Popa

   Close to the San Felipe fortress is the 150-m high La Popa hill, which offers great views over Cartagena and the harbour area. The 17th century Santa Cruz monastery is here, which has a beautifully restored courtyard and a fine image of the Virgin of La Candelaria, the patron saint of the city. On the 2nd of February every year, pilgrims celebrate her. Entrance to La Popa is COP$8,000 for adults and a little less for children. Taking a taxi up and down the hill will cost you a shocking COP$50,000. Negotiate this with the driver before going. It is advised that you do not walk up as it can be dangerous.

7. See

   Monumento a la India Catalina

   A landmark dedicated to and named after the city's founder Pedro de Heredia's native translator Catalina.

8. See

   Museo Naval del Caribe

   In a former Jesuit college right behind the convent. It offers an informative overview of the history of the city and the naval history of the Caribbean. However the exhibits are replicas, not originals.

   Open now · closes 7 pm·COP$6,000

9. See

   Museo del Oro y Arqueología

   Also at the same square, this museum shows the religious gold artefacts of the Zenú (or Sinú) people who used to live along the coast. Not as large as the gold museum of Bógota, but still very worth seeing. However, the museum's archaeological museum is even more interesting, showcasing the native people's impressive achievements in controlling and canalling Rio Magdalena.

   Tue-Fri 10:00-13:00 & 15:00-19:00, Sat 10:00-13:00 & 14:00-17:00, Sun 11:00-16:00·Free

10. See

    Palacio de la Inquisición

    Museo de la Inquisición

    The museum of Palacio de la Inquisición (Palace of Inquisition) was where the Spanish Inquisition tortured, judged and convicted people accused of crimes against religion.The tribunal was responsible for all of South America and sentenced almost 700 people, including Jesuits opposing slavery. Many of the accused were badly tortured. Today the museum shows some instruments of torture actually used back then.

    Mon-Sat 09:00-18:00, Sun 10:00-16:00·COP$17,000. A tourist guide, in English, can be purchased for COP$15,000.

11. See

    Plaza de Bolívar

    Some blocks inwards there's the Plaza de Bolívar with an equestrian statue of the liberation hero. Before the independence of Colombia this was known as Plaza de Inquisición, and next to it you can find the inquisition palace. where during two centuries the Catholic church held processes against heretics.

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    Plaza de la Aduana

    Next to the former, there is another beautiful triangular square, Plaza de la Aduana, surrounded by impressive arcaded buildings.One of these is Casa del Premio real, the house of the Spanish viceroy. This square has a statue as well, of Christopher Columbus.

13. See

    Plaza de los Coches

    From Camellon de los Martires you pass through the historical city gate Puerta del Reloj, the gate of the clock, onto the triangular square Plaza de los Coches, the place of the carriages. Once this was one of the largest slave markets in all of Latin America, a major source of wealth to the city, aside of the gold export to Spain. Nowadays a statue of Pedro de Heredia, the founder of the city, stands on this square.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Cartagena (CC BY-SA 4.0).