Walk through the Walled City in Cartagena
Address
Plaza de la Proclamación Cra. 5, Cartagena de Indias
GPS
10.4234577, -75.5510123
The best way to get started with Cartagena is to take a tour of the Walled City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a magical city with legends and beauty hidden within the old stone wall that delineates the city. Participate in this exciting excursion to gain an understanding of the history of the so-called “jewel in the crown of the coast” and to learn about its origins.
While on our walking tour, you will have the opportunity to remember the fights and successes of the Europeans, as well as the empowerment and impact of Afro cultures. You will also have the opportunity to discover the tiny, colourful alleyways of colonial America, and you will witness the contrast between old and modern neighbourhoods. The value that you just paid through Viator is equivalent to the suggested tip that is given to each individual for the guide’s services.
This Tour is a component of a shared experience that is referred to as a “Free Walking Tour.” Following the deduction of the commission, this sum, which you have already paid in advance, will be transferred straight to your guide. At the conclusion of the tour, the guide will not present you with any additional requests for contributions in this manner. We wish you a good time and that you also learn from us!
Walk through the Walled City in Cartagena
Highlights
- Certified professional guide and Free Tour Map
- Learn about UNESCO World Herritage site of Walled City of Cartagena
Itinerary
Camellon de los Martires
We meet in the Camellón de los Mártires. One of the reasons why Cartagena is also known as the Heroic City is because of the Camellon de los Martires, which is a monument that is devoted to all of the inhabitants of Cartagena who lost their lives in battle. Great monuments with group busts of those who were executed by the “peacemaker” Pablo Morillo may be found along this path, which is also known as the Walk of the Martyrs.
At both the beginning and the conclusion of the path, there are two fountains, and there are also two tablets that have names written on them. As a memorial to all of those who lost their lives while protecting Cartagena de Indias, a sculpture that was donated by the ladies of the city can be found in the heart of the square.
Torre del Reloj
Torre del Reloj, the Clock Tower is an emblematic 30-meter-high construction that rises between the plazas of Los Coches and La Paz.
This beautiful monument, considered one of the five most beautiful public clocks in the world, keeps within itself the history of a city that was once protected by its gates. Built on a wall canvas, the Cartagena Clock Tower is one of the obligatory steps to get to know the Historic Center of the city.
Plaza De Los Coches
The Plaza de los Coches is another emblematic square in the Historic Center of Cartagena de Indias, surrounded by two tourist attractions that visitors fall in love with. The first is the Clock Tower, a 30-meter-high monument that steals the attention of everyone who comes to the square; and the second is the Portal de los Dulces, a place that offers wonders of Cartagena gastronomy, where you can find coconut cocadas, milk dolls, tamarind balls, among others.
Plaza de la Aduana
Formerly utilised as a parade field, this square is the oldest and largest of the Old Town’s squares. The most important administrative and governmental structures from the time of the colonial era were located here. After undergoing renovations, the former Royal Customs House is now serving as the City Hall. At the heart of the square lies a statue of Christopher Columbus.
Plaza de San Pedro Claver
The name of this square is the same as that of the church located in it, this place being the scene where the Spanish saint Pedro Claver carried out his evangelizing work with the slaves brought from Africa.
In the past it was known as Plaza San Juan de Dios and then Plaza de San Ignacio, always adopting the name of the church.
In this square you can find a museum, restaurants and jewelry stores; In addition, visitors will be able to admire the statue made by Enrique Grau in honor of San Pedro Claver and the pieces made from scrap metal by Edgardo Carmona.
Baluarte de San Ignacio
The work that had been started by Cristóbal de Roda thirty years earlier was continued towards the south and completed around the year 1630 by the order of Governor Francisco de Murga. The bastion, which was previously named as de los Moros, was constructed with the intention of protecting the cape of Bocagrande and the Bahía de las Ánimas. However, due to the close proximity to the Compañía de Jesús school, the name of the bastion was changed, and its layout was also altered.
Museo Naval Del Caribe
The Museo Naval Del Caribe in Cartagena, Colombia, dates back to the 16th century and can be found within the city’s walled region. It is situated between the bastion of San Francisco Javier and the Monastery, Church, and Museum of Saint Peter Claver.
There are permanent exhibits at the Museo Naval Del Caribe that are related to the following topics: the naval military history of Cartagena de Indias, Universal Navigation, and the Colombian Naval force, including material that is both current and updated. Moreover, historical depictions of the Colonial period and early Republican periods are included.
Calle de las Damas
The original name of this street is Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, but the popular name, Calles de las Damas, is very old and dates back to the end of the 16th century, when the urban transformation of Cartagena and the palm ranch were just beginning. and from bahareque it went, little by little, to being a city of stone and calicanto. The sector where this road opens is one of the furthest from the city, a stately sector as witnessed by its still standing mansions, and an economically important sector due to its proximity to the first docks.
Palacio de La Inquisicion History Museum
The Spanish Inquisition is an institution that evokes images of witches, torture, and the repression of religious practice. An office of the Inquisition was located in Cartagena, which was historically significant as a seat of Spanish colonial power.
The Palacio de la Inquisición in Cartagena, Colombia, is currently serving as both a museum dedicated to the Inquisition and a museum dedicated to the history of the city. During your tour to the Inquisition Museum in Cartagena, you will get the opportunity to both learn about the history of the city and view some specimens of torture equipment.
Plaza Santo Domingo
This scenic plaza is situated in front of the Santo Domingo Church. It is comprised of an open-air plaza that is surrounded by bars, cafes, and restaurants that are housed in beautiful colonial homes with traditional balconies. Here, you can enjoy a delectable meal or drink, and of course, you will be serenaded by live musicians.
It is a fairly touristy location, suitable for meeting people from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
Baluarte de Santo Domingo (Bastion of Santo Domingo)
Anyone who is interested in exploring the city should make it a point to visit this architectural masterpiece. When you reach the highest point of its walls, you will be able to take in breathtaking views of the walled city, the shore, and the harbour. A pleasant breeze may be felt from the top of the wall, which is where it is situated.
A nice experience may be had by spending the day there because the sunset is breathtaking and there is a view of the ocean. In addition, there is a restaurant where one may have some delicious food and drinks that are rather refreshing. The viewpoint that is located at the very top of the wall offers the most breathtaking panorama.
There are numerous opportunities to snap photographs and record the historical culture of the location inside the area within which you are located. While you wait for the sun to set, you may also enjoy a drink at one of the cafes that are located nearby. In addition to the fact that there is live music, this is an excellent opportunity for those who are attracted to the sight of a beautiful sunset.