Cartagena de Indias, Colonial port city in Bolivar Department, Colombia
Description
Cartagena de Indias is a Caribbean coastal city in Bolívar Department, Colombia, known for its preserved stone fortifications. Narrow cobbled streets wind between multi-story buildings with wooden balconies, while the modern part of town spreads beyond the historic walls along the bay.
History
Pedro de Heredia founded the settlement in 1533 as a Spanish trading port for gold and enslaved people, which quickly grew into one of the Caribbean's main hubs. The massive defensive walls were built during the 17th and 18th centuries in response to repeated attacks by English, French and Dutch privateers.
Culture
Women in bright traditional dress sell fruit from baskets balanced on their heads throughout the old town streets. In the evenings, locals and visitors dance salsa and champeta together in public squares where live music continues well into the night.
Practical
The tropical climate stays hot and humid all year, with the heaviest rains falling from October to December. The historic center is easy to explore on foot, while taxis and small motorcycle taxis are available for longer trips to the modern district or beaches.
Did you know?
The church of San Pedro Claver preserves the remains of the missionary who dedicated his life to protecting enslaved Africans brought through this port. Beneath the cobbled streets of the old town run ancient aqueduct channels that directed rainwater to several underground cisterns.
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Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
1.4 km
Puerta del Reloj, Cartagena
2.6 km
Monumento a India Catalina
9.7 km
Hotel Estelar Bocagrande
3.2 km
Teatro Heredia
2.8 km
Castle of San Luis de Bocachica
13.1 km
Convento de Santo Domingo, Cartagena
3 km
Iglesia de Santo Toribio
2.6 km
Historical Museum of Cartagena de Indias
2.9 kmEl Mono Hernández Cork Forest Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
46.6 kmGuillermo Piñeres Botanical Garden
12.9 km
Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park
57.5 km
Château de San Fernando de Bocachica
13.1 km
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
1.2 km
Palace of Inquisition
2.9 km
Estadio Once de Noviembre
3.9 km
Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena de Indias
2.8 kmMuseo del Oro, Cartagena
2.8 kmPlaya de Juan Guy
8.1 kmCasa de Huéspedes Ilustres
3.6 kmPlaya Blanca
15.9 kmPlayón de La Vagabunda
10.7 kmPlaya Mohán
28.2 kmBalneario de Marbella
1.9 kmPlaya Grande
116.5 kmPlaya de Las Canoas
28.7 km
Church of la Trinidad
2.2 kmLac Arroyo Grande
64.9 km
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