Posts in category: cartagena experience

Bolivar plaza. This typical Spanish-style plaza, tinged with

tropical vegetation, was during the Colony the heart of Cartagena de Indias. It was called Plaza de la Inquisición until November 11, 1896 when the center of the square was adorned with the statue of El Libertador Simón Bolívar in honor of him. This urban space is an emblematic site of the city, loaded with historical and cultural symbolism.

This is one of the largest and most elegant squares in Cartagena de Indias. The founder of Cartagena, Don Pedro de Heredia, lived in the Customs building, which encompasses the entire side of the square.

Don Pedro was, along with his brother Don Alonso, who resisted the fierce attack of the French pirate Roberto Baal, on July 25, 1544.

Like most of Cartagena’s squares, this one has had several names that remind us of its history. When the royal offices were installed in the Customs building, the square was called the “Antigua Real Contaduría.” Then in 1790, when the Customs Administration was organized there, it began to be called “Plaza de la Aduana”.

On the occasion of the anniversary of the Discovery of America, on October 12, 1894, the statue of Christopher Columbus was inaugurated in the plaza. It is a marble sculpture of the “Discoverer” with an indigenous woman, who lies on a pedestal decorated with high reliefs of the three caravels: the Pinta, the Niña and the Santamaría.

The Adolfo Mejía Theater, located inside the Walled City and with a capacity of 643 people, is considered one of the most iconic places in Cartagena, not only for its history and architecture, but also for its importance in the development and cultural inclusion from the city.

Its architecture is eclectic, imitating the summer theaters of the 19th century in Europe. The design belongs to Luis Felipe Jaspe, who was inspired by the Tacón Theater in Havana and the Reina Emma Theater in Curaçao.
It was built in response to the need to have a public space in which the population could access cultural representations without considering only the economic benefits.

Within the grounds of the Chapel of Mercy and with the name of Municipal Theater, this monument was inaugurated on November 13, 1911 to commemorate the first Centennial of Cartagena’s Independence from the Spanish crown (November 11, 1811).
The formal premiere was on February 22, 1912 with the play “The joyful genius”, authored by the Álvarez Quintero brothers and represented by the Evangelina Adamas company.
Between 1913 and 1917, it consolidated its cultural importance in the region, presenting repertoires of 13 different foreign companies dedicated to Italian opera and Spanish zarzuela.
In 1933 it was given the name of Teatro Heredia, in honor of the founder of Cartagena Pedro de Heredia, as a tribute to the IV Centenary of the city’s Foundation.

The arrival in Cartagena cannot be complete without listening to the representative music of the Coast, and the Plaza Santo Domingo is the place par excellence to enjoy the groups that provide serenades and play at the foot of the tables in exchange for tips. It is the favorite when it comes to enjoying the nightlife.

Located in front of the Santo Domingo Church, is this picturesque square that is made up of an open-air plaza surrounded by bars, cafes and restaurants that work in beautiful colonial houses with traditional balconies, where you can enjoy a delicious meal or drink and of course, live serenade.

It is a very touristy place, the one indicated to meet people of all cultures. It is striking “Gertrudis”, a sculpture of a reclining nude woman by the Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Both during the day and at night, it is one of the liveliest places in the city.

Tourists describe it as: A magical place at night. You have to go, yes or yes. The restaurants around the plaza bring their tables out onto the plaza, and the musicians brighten the nights. You really have to be there, the lights, the people and the atmosphere, it’s romantic and charming.

It is very busy, but at the same time quiet to share with friends or family, have a few wines or beers and then have dinner. The groups of dancers and musicals brighten up the time.

It is named after the church of the Holy Trinity, founded in 1643 and located in the square. Some time later, the Cabildo ordered that it be called “Plaza de la Libertad” in honor of the inhabitants of the Getsemaní neighborhood who allowed and supported the independence struggle of 1811.

Cartagena colombia travel guide introduce you The Clock Tower. This an emblematic 30-meter-high construction that rises between the Los Coches and La Paz squares.

This beautiful monument, considered one of the five most beautiful public clocks in the world, keeps in itself the history of a city that was once protected by its gates. Built on a wall canvas, the Cartagena Clock Tower is one of the obligatory steps to get to know the Historic Center of the city.

Come and discover this monument on your Cartagena Colombia travel. Its real name is Fort of San Felipe de Barajas. It is located on a hill called San Lázaro and was built in 1657 during the Spanish colonial era. It suffered constant attacks by the English and French, being the French commander Baron de Pointis who took the castle in mid-1697.

Its construction began in the year 1536 and was completed in the year 1657. It was built with the purpose of being able to more easily observe the continuous invasions and attacks that the city suffered at the hands of English and French armies and pirates, and to be able to defend itself against they.

“A magical place in La Heroica to discover and rediscover. Explore and enjoy this World Heritage Site with all sanitary protection measures”