What are some of the best tourist places in Cartagena? Many travel to see the city’s beautiful colonial architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984. But Cartagena is also about natural splendor and amazing food.
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Walled city
The walled city of Cartagena de Indias is a beautiful and well-preserved historic center surrounded by an impressive stone wall built in the 16th century to protect the city from attacks by pirates and privateers. Inside the walls, you’ll find cobblestone streets, colorful colonial houses with wrought-iron balconies, and a wide variety of restaurants, bars, shops, and boutique hotels.
There are many places of historical and cultural interest to explore, such as the Cartagena Cathedral, the Palace of the Inquisition, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas and Santo Domingo Square.
Saint Catherine of Alexandria
The Church of Santa Catalina de Alejandría is located in the historic center of Cartagena and is one of the oldest churches in the city. It was built in the 17th century and has Spanish colonial architecture. The church is famous for its bell tower, which is one of the tallest in the city and offers a panoramic view of the historic center.
Inside the church, you can see beautiful altars and sculptures, as well as paintings of saints and virgins. The church is a pilgrimage site for Catholics and is also a popular location for weddings and religious events.
Inquisition Palace
Cartagena de Indias was also one of the places where the Spanish Inquisition was established. The building that was used as the Palace of the Inquisition in Cartagena still exists and is located in the historic center of the city.
The building was built in the 18th century and is in the Plaza de Bolívar. It was used as a prison and as the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition in Cartagena.
The building is colonial style and has a white facade with carved stone details. Currently, it houses the Museum of the Inquisition.
Castle of San Felipe de Barajas
It is one of the main tourist attractions in Cartagena de Indias and a must-see if you travel to the city. It was built in the 17th century by the Spanish as part of the city’s defensive system against attacks by pirates and enemies of the Spanish Crown.
The castle has a pentagonal shape and is built of limestone. It has a series of walls and bastions that make it an impressive structure. The fortress is located on a hill, which provides it with a strategic position to defend the city from above.
Inside, the castle has several underground tunnels that were used for transporting weapons and mobilizing troops. It also has a series of rooms and rooms that were used by the soldiers and officers of the garrison.
Santo Domingo Square
A vibrant and colorful square, surrounded by restaurants, shops and street artists. It is located in the historic center of Cartagena, Colombia.
The square is quite large and is surrounded by several colonial buildings, including the Santo Domingo Church, which is one of the oldest churches in the city and one of the main attractions of the square. The façade of the church is impressive and decorated with beautiful sculptures and reliefs.
In the square, you can find several restaurants and cafes offering traditional food and drinks. There are also street vendors selling crafts and souvenirs. The square is a popular place to sit and relax, and many visitors enjoy the cool breeze that blows in from the nearby port of Cartagena.
Popa Convent
The Convent of La Popa is an important historical and religious place located in the city of Cartagena de Indias. It was built in the 17th century on the top of a hill called Cerro de La Popa, at a height of 150 meters above sea level.
It was founded by the Augustinian Recollect monks in 1607 and is known for being one of the highest places in the city, from where you can see impressive panoramic views of the Bay of Cartagena, the historic center and the modern area of the city.
Currently, the La Popa Convent is one of the main tourist attractions in Cartagena, it has its own website and is visited by thousands of people every year. Inside you can see various works of religious art, as well as visit its chapel and museum.
Getsemaní neighborhood
It is located to the east of the Historic Center and is delimited by Arsenal streets, Calle de la Media Luna, Calle Larga and Calle San Juan de Dios. It was founded in the 17th century: what was originally a neighborhood where freed slaves lived is today a bohemian neighborhood full of nightlife, with colorful murals, authentic bars and restaurants.
Bazurto Market
A local market where you can find a wide variety of fresh and authentic products from the region. It is located in the northern part of the city, near the Rafael Núñez airport.
Despite this, the Bazurto Market is an authentic experience of local culture and an opportunity to learn first-hand about the daily life of the people of Cartagena. If you decide to visit the market, it is important to maintain a respectful attitude and be attentive to your belongings.
Rosario Islands
They are an archipelago made up of 27 islands located off the coast of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. The islands are known for their beautiful scenery, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and coral reefs. We give you three reasons why it is worth visiting them:
:: It has beautiful beaches. The islands have beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming, diving, snorkeling or simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
:: There are coral reefs. The archipelago is famous for its coral reefs, which attract many visitors interested in diving and snorkeling to explore the marine diversity of the area.
:: The Rosario Islands archipelago is a National Natural Park, which means that there are rules and regulations that must be followed to protect the local flora and fauna.
Baru Island
Also known as Peninsula de Baru, this paradise island is located just 45 minutes from Cartagena de Indias. It is a natural attraction that stands out for its turquoise waters, its palm trees, very white sand and the kindness of its people.
The most famous beach is Playa Blanca, known for its long coastline. It is a perfect place to relax, sunbathe and enjoy the sea.
You can participate in a variety of exciting water activities, such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The coral reef surrounding the island offers a great opportunity to explore the rich marine life.
You will also find a variety of restaurants and food stalls where you can try delicious Caribbean cuisine. Typical dishes include fresh fish, shellfish, rice, fried plantains and tropical fruit juices.
So now that you know the main facts about Cartagena, it’s time for you to pack your bags and go see it for yourself. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
