Castles and fortresses in Cartagena (Col) surroundings

Answer: Start with the fortress of San Felipe de Barajas, built by the Spanish in 1536 to protect the city. Then visit the historic center with its colonial buildings, such as the Palace of the Inquisition of the XVIII century. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandria, founded in 1577, with its unique blend of Baroque and Renaissance styles.

Answer: Cartagena's architectural masterpieces include the seventeenth-century Baroque church of San Pedro Claver, designed by the Jesuits. The Las Bovedas Museum, located in the former prison casemates of the XVIII century, demonstrates unique construction techniques. Also worth seeing is the 1631 Clock Tower, which was the main entrance to the fortified city.

Answer: Children will enjoy visiting the Cartagena National Aquarium, which features more than 1,000 species of marine life. Bolivar Park with its picturesque gardens and the monument to Simon Bolivar will be a great place for walking. The Caribe Historical Museum, located in a colonial building, offers interactive exhibits for young visitors.

Answer: The embankment of La Matanza with its bright buildings and views of the harbor is an ideal place for a photo. Piazza Santo Domingo with the bronze sculptures of Fernando Botero creates the atmosphere of the colonial era. The narrow streets of Getsemani, decorated with graffiti and flowers, have become a popular destination for Instagram.

Answer: One of the legends tells about the ghost of the fortress of San Felipe, which supposedly guards the treasures of the Spanish conquistadors. The Cathedral of Santa Catalina is associated with the story of the pirate Francis Drake, who sacked the city in 1586. Stories of secret tunnels under the city used by smugglers are also popular.

Answer: Visit the XVII century La Popa Monastery on a hill overlooking the whole city. The small church of Santo Toribio, with its unique architecture, is often called the “pearl of colonial style”. The Little Gold Museum displays artifacts from the pre-Columbian era, including artifacts from the Sina culture.