Discover 11 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Cartagena (Colombia). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Iglesia de Santo Domingo, and Castle of San Luis de Bocachica. Also, be sure to include Convento de la Popa in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Cartagena (Bolívar).
Table of Contents
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Iconic fortress with tunnels and a tour. The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a fortress in the city of Cartagena, Colombia. The castle was built in 1536 and is located on the Hill of San Lázaro in a strategic location, dominating approaches to the city by land or sea. It was originally known as the Castillo de San Lázaro. It was built by the Spanish during the colonial era. The fortress was involved in several battles between the late 17th to early 19th centuries involving European powers.[1]
Address: Cra. 17, 130001 Cartagena
Iglesia de Santo Domingo
Convent. The Convento de Santo Domingo is a convent established from the 16th century in the city of Cartagena de Indias, in Colombia. Its canonical name was "Convento de San Daniel". Until 19th century maintained a community of friars of the Dominican Order. The building was then expropriated and handed over to the diocese of Cartagena, serving as a seminary, college and then institute of fine arts. It was recently restored. It is one of the most important tourist sites in the city.[2]
Address: Plaza de Santo Domingo, Cartagena
Castle of San Luis de Bocachica
The Castle of San Luis de Bocachica, was a military fortress that defended Cartagena, Colombia. The Spanish built it in the 17th century. After it suffered war damage in the 18th century, they erected a new coastal fortification, the Castle of San Fernando on the same site.
The site on the Island of Tierra Bomba controlled deep-water access to Cartagena's harbour by the channel of Bocachica (or "small entrance" as opposed to Bocagrande, the "big entrance").[3]
Convento de la Popa
The convent, cloister and chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de la Popa are located at the top of Mount Popa, in Cartagena de Indias, in Colombia.[4]
Iglesia de San Pedro Claver
Church in Cartagena, Colombia. The Iglesia de San Pedro Claver is a church located in Cartagena de Indias, in Colombia. This church and its convent are located in the Plaza de San Pedro Claver.
The church is part of a set of religious buildings that is complemented by the Cloister of San Pedro Claver and the archaeological museum. It was built between 1580 and 1654, in Spanish Colonial style. Originally known as the church of San Juan de Dios, it has been called the church of San Ignacio de Loyola since 1622 and is now known as San Pedro Claver.
The church is colonial, except for the dome, in 1921 the colonial dome was eliminated and the present dome was erected, the work of French Gaston Lelarge.
At its altar lie the remains of Saint Peter Claver, who died in 1654 in Cartagena, after devoting practically all his life to evangelizing and redeeming the black slaves of New Granada.[5]
Address: Cr 4 # 30-01 Centro, Cartagena
Cartagena Cathedral
Also known as: Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría
Cathedral in Cartagena, Colombia. The Cathedral of Cartagena in Colombia, officially the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, is located in the historic centre of Cartagena. It is the episcopal see of the Archbishop of Cartagena de Indias, one of the oldest episcopal sees in the Americas. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
The cathedral was designed by master builder Simón González, modelled after basilicas in Andalusia and the Canary Islands. The present tower was designed by French architect Gastón Lelarge, the result of remodelling in the early twentieth century. Construction began in 1577, replacing a humble cathedral of straw and reeds. In 1586, while the church was still under construction, it was attacked by the English privateer Francis Drake, which caused severe damage and delayed its completion. The building was finished in 1612.
The cathedral has a fine doorway and a simply decorated interior. It contains an 18th-century gilded altar, a Carrara marble pulpit and elegant arcades sustaining the central nave.[6]
Palacio de la Inquisición
Museum in Cartagena, Colombia. The Palace of Inquisition, also known as the Inquisition Palace, is an eighteenth-century the seat of the Holy Office of the Inquisition in Cartagena, now in modern Colombia. Finished around 1770, it currently serves as a museum showcasing historical artifacts. Among the many historical artifacts, the museum displays torture equipment used on victims during the inquisition. These items were removed from display in 2015 prior to visits to Colombia by Pope Francis. They have since partially returned and are again on display. The museum has been described as "one of the finer buildings" in Cartagena. Cited as one of Cartagena's "best examples of late colonial, civil architecture", it faces the Parque de Bolívar.[7]
Address: Plaza de Bolívar, Cartagena
La Popa
Museum
Address: Calle 37, 130003 Cartagena
Bocagrande
Beach
Address: Boca grande, Cartagena
Museo Naval del Caribe
Museum, Military museum, History museum
Address: Calle San Juan de Dios No. 3-62, Plaza Santa Teresa, Centro Historico, Cartagena
Plaza de la Aduana
Square