Iglesia de Santo Toribio, Colonial church in San Diego district, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.
Iglesia de Santo Toribio is a colonial church in the San Diego district standing at the corner of Plaza Fernandez de Madrid with white walls and traditional Spanish architecture. The interior centers on a wooden altar that serves as the focal point of the sacred space.
Construction began in 1666 under Bishop Antonio Sanz Lozano, marking the end of religious building in Cartagena's colonial era. The church was completed during a period when the city was fortifying its defenses and consolidating its role as a major port.
The name honors a Peruvian saint whose devotion was widespread throughout the Spanish colony. Visitors can observe how this religious figure remained meaningful in local worship practices.
The church is accessible daily to visitors and worshippers and can be reached at Calle 38 number 6-107 near the intersection with Calle Curato and Calle del Sargento Mayor. When planning a visit, keep in mind that it functions as an active parish church and visiting hours may vary depending on religious services.
A cannonball from Admiral Vernon's 1741 attack lodged in the church walls and pierced the roof during a service without injuring anyone. This physical evidence of the bombardment remains visible within the building's structure today.
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