The history of the Clock Tower
The Public Clock Tower, 30 meters high, is a beautiful monument, considered one of the five most beautiful public clocks in the world. This building is part of the history of a city that was once protected by its gates, Cartagena de Indias. Built on a wall, the Clock Tower of Cartagena de Indias is one of the must-see places in the historic center of the city. Built in 1601, initially called Boca del Puente, it became the main entrance to the city when the walled enclosure was completed. The clock has become the representative symbol of Cartagena de Indias, located between the Plaza de la Independencia and the Plaza de los Carros. The Clock Tower was founded in the 19th century and houses a statue commemorating Pedro de Heredia, founder of the city of Cartagena de Indias.
This building has witnessed the great physical and social changes that the city has undergone for more than five centuries, and today it is considered a tourist site of great historical value, no longer visited by slave traders, but by people from all over the world.
Known as the“nose of Popayán“, the Clock Tower is located on the southwest corner of Caldas Park. The single-pointed clock was a gift from the city’s priests in 1737. In 1983, Cartagena de Indias suffered an earthquake that caused multiple damages. However, the Clock Tower was repaired without moving any of the 90,000 bricks that make up this magnificent structure.
Where is the Clock Tower located?
Between the squares of La Paz and Los Coches, which used to be the slave market.
When to visit the Clock Tower?
“Cartagena de Indias has a typically tropical climate, hot all year round with minimal seasonal temperature changes. Its temperature usually oscillates between 24°C and 31°C, as maximum. Seasonal differences occur only in the amount of rainfall and not in temperature, and humidity is high and stable at around 80% throughout the year. Winds blow, especially in the late afternoon.”
The Tower is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What is the highlight of the Clock Tower?
Originally, the tower had only one entrance arch that was in the center. Inside its lateral arches were the chapel and the armament room, which were replaced by the two remaining arches in the 18th century. This construction was damaged during an enemy invasion.
Even today, inside this splendid work, we can still see on the central arch the marks and places of the pendulums. The old clock which, in 1888, were replaced by the current ones and receives the name of the Clock Tower. The exterior appearance of the tower presents its central arch, a portico in Tuscan style and the interior space is rather severe. This is an important place to take pictures and to begin with. a tour of the historic center of Cartagena de Indias.
How to get to the Clock Tower from Cartagena de Indias?
The Puerta del Reloj, Torre del Reloj or Boca del Puente is the main entrance to the historic center of Cartagena de Indias in Colombia and is the original entrance to the walled city. It is located between Independencia and Los Coches squares. It is located near Centennial Park.
Do you want to do something in the historic center of Cartagena de Indias? Would you like to do an activity on a nearby island? Cartagena Tours offers you many activities to do in Cartagena de Indias and its surroundings!
