All of Cartagena’s major museums, plazas, and churches are consolidated in El Centro. This part of the city starts at the Torre del Reloj and extends outwards, covering roughly 50 blocks filled with colorful colonial buildings draped with bougainvillea. If you have just one day in Cartagena, you will spend it in this neighborhood, as there is much to see and do here. The shopping, hotels, and restaurants in El Centro are the most expensive in the city. Still, it is worth the extra cash just to meander the quaintest and most breathtaking city centers in all of Colombia.
By Brenda Yun I am a creative writer / surfer chick in need of adventure all the time. The only thing that keeps me grounded is my non-traveling, non-surfing pug...
Plaza BolĂvar is the ideal place for relaxation in the center of the old city. At lunchtime, locals take advantage of the shade offered around the center statue of Simon BolĂvar on his horse, and
...
Construction of Cartagena’s first cathedral began in 1575, using the modest materials of wood and cane. Plans were revamped by Simón González, who performed the greater part of its construction
...
Historical Building
El Centro, Cartagena, Colombia
First constructed in the 17th century by the Jesuits, this church\'s convent served as the residence for Saint Pedro Claver (1580-1654), a priest whose missionary work focused on helping slaves from
...
Historical Building
El Centro, Cartagena, Colombia
Museo del Oro ZenĂş is an informative and surprisingly educational gold museum. It is nicely curated and features pre-Colombian gold from the ZenĂş nation that lived on the Golfo de Morrosquillo and
...
The Museo de Arte Moderno is a recent institution. Housed in two buildings — the first, built in the second half of the 17th century; the second added on during the end of the 19th century — it
...
This extensive Museo Naval del Caribe recounts Cartagena’s remarkable naval history. The building comprises two wings, separated by gardens. The west, or colonial, wing was constructed in the
...
Strange Caribbean sweets can be found throughout the day and evening along the Portal de los Dulces arcade. Here, stalls display glass jars stuffed with chocolates, flavored rock candy, coconut
...
If you are a fan of interpretive arts, the Teatro Heredia Adolfo MejĂa is a place not to be missed. Located in Plaza de la Merced in the old city, this theater was built in the 19th century on top
...
Plaza de la Aduana is Cartagena\'s oldest and largest plaza. It serves as the commercial heart of the city and the parade grounds for festival days. People mingle here throughout the day and into
...
The yellow clock tower at Plaza de los Coches, above the main entrance gate into the walled city, is one of the primary emblems of Cartagena. Built in the early 18th century, the four-faced clock
...