San Basilio de Palenque, Fortified village in Bolívar Department, Colombia.
San Basilio de Palenque stands in the foothills of Montes de María, 50 kilometers from Cartagena, with traditional houses and community gathering spaces.
Domingo Bioho founded this settlement in 1619 by leading escaped enslaved people through dense forests, establishing the first free African town in the Americas.
The inhabitants of San Basilio de Palenque maintain the Palenquero language, combining Spanish with African languages, particularly elements from Kikongo and Portuguese.
Visitors can access the village through guided tours from Cartagena, experiencing traditional music performances and local culinary preparations throughout the day.
The settlement remains the only surviving palenque in Colombia, preserving African heritage through oral traditions, music, dance, and social organization systems.
Location: Bolívar Department
Founders: Domingo Bioho
GPS coordinates: 10.10332,-75.19901
Latest update: March 5, 2025 18:19
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
51.4 km
Puerta del Reloj, Cartagena
52.3 km
Los Colorados Fauna and Flora Sanctuary
20.1 km
Monumento a India Catalina
52.3 km
Hotel Estelar Bocagrande
51.5 km
Free State of Cartagena
49.4 km
Teatro Heredia
52.7 km
Castle of San Luis de Bocachica
48.3 km
Convento de la Popa
50.2 km
Convento de Santo Domingo, Cartagena
52.7 km
Iglesia de Santo Toribio
52.6 km
Historical Museum of Cartagena de Indias
52.5 km
El Mono Hernández Cork Forest Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
15.9 km
Loa de los Santos Reyes Magos
82.5 km
Guillermo Piñeres Botanical Garden
37.8 km
Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park
66.5 km
Biblioteca Bartolomé Calvo
52.5 km
Château de San Fernando de Bocachica
48.3 km
Tolú
76.9 km
El Totumo
71.5 km
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
50.6 km
Museum of Poet Julio Florez
75.4 km
Palace of Inquisition
52.5 km
Museo del Oro, Cartagena
52.5 km
Estadio Once de Noviembre
46.6 km
Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena de Indias
52.3 km
Embalse del Guájaro
48.9 km
Church of la Trinidad
51.8 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes