A Cartagena getaway unveils this “Jewel of the Caribbean.” The walled Spanish city takes you back in time, surrounded by colonial architecture, a castle and the sparkling ocean. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I visited this port many times. So, read on to find out what to see on a Cartagena Old Town walking tour for an enriching experience.
Built by the Spanish from 16th-18th centuries, this walled city is very well-preserved. Overall, its colorful Old Town has a picturesque layout with colonial architecture, a castle and fortress, plazas, narrow cobblestone roads, vistas and cascading bougainvillea. Plus, Cartagena’s Old Town is very compact, making for a wonderful walking tour. Also, it’s where many of the hotels, cafes and restaurants offer services.
Cartagena Old Town Walking Tour
Entryway and Free Walking Tour
Firstly, the grand entrance is through Puerta del Reloj, the vibrant yellow clock tower. It leads into the Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza. Taking the Free Walking Tour from Plaza Santa Teresa provides guidance, so you can enjoy the setting and history even more. The bilingual guides are conspicuous with their bright, yellow umbrellas.
Plaza de la Aduana
Plaza de la Aduana is the largest and oldest square in the Old Town. Even more, it features a statue in honor of Christopher Columbus. Also, it exhibits more of the colorful colonial homes, red brick roofs and colorful wooden balconies with flowers. Under Spanish rule, most of the buildings around this square were administrative and governmental.
Architecture Building Highlights
Architecturally, the Puerta del Reloj entryway and Plaza de la Aduana get you started. However, there are many other gorgeous buildings in the Old Town, including cathedrals. For example, located next to Plaza de Bolívar, the Catedral de Cartagena embellishes the sky from a busy tourist intersection. It offers self-guided audio tours, lasting about 25 minutes.
Firstly, the Inglesia de Santo Domingo is the oldest church in Cartagena, alongside its square. The colonial Cathedral of San Pedro Claver and its convent are located in the Plaza de San Pedro Claver. Overall, the ultimate architecture feat in Old Town is the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas.
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Cartagena Old Town Tour
Perched on the San Lazaro hill, towering over Old Town is the majestic Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. A 10-15-minute uphill walk takes you to the top of this fortress. Overall, there’s lots to explore up here, such as, batteries, tunnels, bunkers and the like. It’s great fun and nothing takes you back in time like a colossal fortress and castle. Plus, the panoramic views are some of the bests in the city, seeing the Old Town and modern skyscrapers amidst the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
Palenquera Fruit Sellers
The Palenquera Fruit Sellers are iconic and colorfully dressed women, strolling throughout the Old Town with a large bowl of vibrant fruit balanced on top their head. These women are far more than a mere tourist attractions or photo opp. Even more, if you get a photo, tipping is recommended.
Back in the 17th century, a small Columbian village, San Basilio de Palenque was populated by mostly runaway African slaves. Then, in 1691 they established the town’s independence from Spanish colonial powers. The Palenqueros became some of the first free black men and women in the New World.
Overall, they represent resilience and strength as black women, that broke through the shackles of colonial slavery. They expressed their unique livelihood as a Palenquera Fruit Seller.
Historical Museums
Zenu Gold Museum is located within a colonial mansion in Plaza de Bolivar. Overall, it houses gold artifacts, such as, jewelry and figurines from around Columbia. It’s also educational museum, teaching visitors about the history of gold locally and globally. Plus, there is storytelling and chronicles of pirates and explorers seeking riches and gold.
The Palace of Inquisition Museum is not for the sensitive types, since it showcases torture devices. The Inquisition used the Palace to try and publicly execute Jews and other non-Catholics and individuals believed guilty of crimes, such as, black magic. This macabre reality of the Spanish Inquisition happened from the 15th-19th centuries throughout Spain and its colonies.
Famous Fat Gertrude Statue
Another landmark, located in the heart of Old Town, is Fernando Botero’s famous statue. According to the superstition, by touching her left breast, you then strike some good luck.
Convento La Popa
Perched atop a 150 m hill (highest hill in Cartagena), the Convento La Popa has the best panoramic view (above photo) of Cartagena and the Caribbean Sea, especially all the modern skyscrapers. I took the steep 30-minute walk up the hill, reaching the landmark setting. Founded in 1607 by Augustinian monks, the convent expanded with highlights, such as, a gorgeous building, flower gardens and epic viewpoints.
Sunset on Historic City Wall
Finally, this tradition is the best way to experience the breathtaking Cartagena sunsets. From here with the Caribbean Sea before you, the view takes in also the modern skyline of skyscrapers and the historic cathedrals of Old Town. Grab a drink from a vendor and enjoy!
Enjoy Cartagena Old Town!
All who come to Cartagena discover why it remains known as the “Jewel of the Caribbean.” Overall, the Old Town architecture and ambiance amidst the vivid blue sky and sparkling sea is a wonderful way to discover history and culture.
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