Why visit Cartagena de Indias in Colombia?
Cartagena de Indias has its own historic center, unlike other Colombian cities. Located in the department of Bolivar, the city was founded in the sixteenth century and colonized by the Spanish, this city served as an anchor point for the dominance and influence of the empire in South America. This immense colonial heritage makes Cartagena de Indias one of the most touristic cities in the country. When you arrive in Cartagena after having traveled through Colombia, you may have the perception of being in a completely different country, this is because Cartagena is very different from other cities, such as Medellin or Bogota. The population and the environment are not the same, nor is the architecture. However, it is a very important city in Colombia, which reveals another side of the country. The historic city of Cartagena de Indias and its walls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why visit the historic center of Cartagena de Indias?
The old town of Cartagena de Indias is formed mainly by two neighborhoods: The Historic Center and San Diego. These two neighborhoods, surrounded by a wall, form the historic center of the city. Strolling through the streets of the historic center of Cartagena de Indias is a must. As a tourist, the best thing to do is to stop at the corners, look around, especially look up, to be able to contemplate in all its dimension the architecture that despite the years is still standing.
Other type of visit in Cartagena
In the historic center are monumental buildings of great value and importance, such as: The Bank of the Republic, the School of Fine Arts, the University of Cartagena, the Mayor’s Office, the headquarters of SENA in Bolivar and the former headquarters of the Government of Bolivar, which can be perfectly appreciated from the squares where they are located. Even the smallest details of these structures are fascinating, and they look their best with their well-preserved designs. The facades, courtyards, halls, arches, windows, staircases, floors, high walls and balconies are of great value to the cultural, tangible and intangible heritage of this city. Strolling through other streets or squares of the Cordón Amurallado also forces us to stop in front of other notable constructions that are no less important.
Arriving on La Moneda Street, between Calle Primera, Segunda de Badillo and San Agustín Chiquito, one’s gaze inevitably focuses on a charming three-story colonial house painted yellow with white balconies. During the day, the sun illuminates it and makes everyone who passes through these corners appreciate it from top to bottom. At night it is even more visible, because it stands out with lights. It is surrounded by stores. This place is famous for the fruit salads and sweets that are sold by the palenqueras, it is also one of the most frequented because it is the obligatory passage to access the University of Cartagena and the Fernandez de Madrid Park.
If we turn our backs on it and continue walking along Calle Primera de Badillo, when we reach the corner of Calle de Las Carretas and Calle del Tablón, we will be able to appreciate the imposing blue and white building, which is beautiful at all times. Day or night, to observe it is to stop in time. Its more than 30 balconies with cement bars and wooden windows adorn its five floors. It is an obligatory stop on the way to the Plaza de Los Coches or the Clock Tower. On the corner you can stop to taste, for two thousand pesos, an irresistible chopped green mango, which is more appetizing with salt, pepper and a touch of lemon.
The architecture of Cartagena de Indias
If you arrive at the Plaza de los Coches, be sure to stop at the Portal de Los Dulces.
If you go up Calle de Las Carretas and turn right onto Calle Portocarrero (formerly Calle del Esclavo) until the convergence of these two streets with Calle del Colegio, you will find a three-story corner building with a rectangular facade bearing the name of a well-known Cartagena business. It is yellow in color, with white balconies and semicircular arches. Today it is occupied by several commercial premises. In its outskirts we can enjoy a refreshing and healthy cold coconut water. Finally, another majestic house in the historic center of Cartagena de Indias is located in the famous and busy Plaza Santa Teresa, between San Juan de Dios and Ricaurte streets. There, owner of an absolutely imposing presence, it stands out for its showy windows and balconies spread over its two floors.
It is a mandatory place to take a souvenir photo as it is part of a beautiful panorama with the wall, a five-star hotel, the Naval Museum of the Caribbean, the church of San Pedro Claver and handicrafts that contrast perfectly.
To visit Cartagena de Indias, Cartagena Tours is at your disposal.
