CARTAGENA, "THE WALLED CITY"

BY CLAY LARROY

Travel in May and October to avoid crowds, save money and enjoy temperate weather. In those months, many families with children cannot travel due to school commitments, making many tourist attractions much less crowded. This may also result in lower costs for airfare and hotels. As an added bonus, the weather in May and October is usually perfect for traveling -- not too hot and not too cold.  When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!

Cartagena is a fantastic city that guards the secrets of history in its walls, balconies, buildings and narrow cobbled streets.

The magic of Cartagena lies in its massive fortifications, the warmth of the people, the richness of the architecture and the infinite range of cultural expression of a doughty and valiant people.

The city is full of romance, and there is the setting for many a tale of times past in every street and square, and along the walls that bound it, waiting for the sunset to evoke past struggles.

On a sunny day vibrates with color along the facades of the buildings and the sea breeze refreshes the visitor on his way along the narrow streets of the old city.

The monuments are there: sober, ancient monasteries, churches, battlements and the remains of bloody battles: a testimony to the invincible men and women who brought freedom to the “heroic city”.

Night falls, and is bathed in a light of its own, coming to life and transforming itself. It is a unique atmosphere that captivates the visitor and takes him back to times past and forgotten, in a horse and carriage.

From the walls there is a beautiful view of the sea. Then, euphoria grows and the tireless fiesta dances on until the first rays of the sun sweep away the mysteries of the night.

Yes, this is Cartagena. A city that tells its own past, its fascinating history and its rebirth in every age.

Things to do

SAN FELIPE CASTLE

The 17th century governor of Cartagena, Don Francisco de Murga ordered the construction of the city's principal fortification, the San Felipe de Barajas Castle in 1656. Spanish

PALACIO DE LA INQUISICION

The Spanish tickler, the guillotine, the rack and the witches' scale are just four of the friendly artifacts on display on this glorious palace built for the

THE ZENÚ GOLD MUSEUM

Housed in a charming colonial house on the Plaza Bolivar rescued by Colombia's central bank, the Zenú gold museum boasts a priceless insight into the pre-Colombian culture

THE CLOCK TOWER

Cartagena's most famous landmark, The Torre del Reloj, or Clock Tower, was once the main gateway to the walled city. It was originally called Boca del Puente

LAS BÓVEDAS

Las Bóvedas is a great place to go if you're looking to pick up some Colombian souvenirs, located along the city walls

CONTEMPORARY ART BIENNALE

Cartagena's most ambitious arts initiative, the city's first Contemporary Art Biennale, kicks of on February 7 with more than 100 artists from more than 50 countries  

ALEJANDRO FRIERI WORKSHOP

It can be disenchanting to walk past endless stands of mass-produced maracas, Panama hats and mochilas in Cartagena's Old City

NH GALERIA

The opening of Nohra Haime's gallery space in 2011 at a time when curators in London, New York and Paris were tuning in to Colombia's vibrant art

 

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.colombia.travel/en/international-tourist/vacations-holidays-where-to-go/cartagena-travel-guide

http://www.ticartagena.com/

Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!