Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia
Description
View cruises with Cartagena, ColombiaOne of the more interesting cities on your itinerary steeped in history. This was the transit port for all the wealth Spain derived from South America. The famous "Old City" is comprised of 12 square blocks filled with attractions, boutiques and restaurants.
Throughout Colombia, the Spanish Empire's influence in the New World is self-evident. Its fortress walls, quaint narrow streets, and balconied houses are all vivid reminders of Spain's hold on Cartagena and throughout the Caribbean and South America. This is the land of El Dorado and flamboyant adventurers in search of the ever-elusive gold. Cartagena's well-constructed fortifications defended its borders against seafaring pirates whose attacks lasted for more than 200 years. Today this modern and bustling city, seaport, and commercial center still boasts much of its original colonial architecture. Your journey here will provide you with a significant link to the region's grand past.
**Please note that passengers may encounter numerous local vendors at various tourist locations and may find them to be persistent in their sales offers.
Points of Interest
- Old City
- Las Murallas
- Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
- Historical Museum of Cartagena
- Cartagena's Cathedral
- Museo del Oro y Arqueología
- La Popa Monastery
- Folkloric Show
More about Cartagena, Colombia Points of Interest
-
Old City -
The walled historic center of Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its winding streets lined with Spanish Colonial architecture display colorfully painted buildings, local bars and restaurants.
-
Las Murallas -
Considered by many the most impressive city walls in the world, Las Murallas began construction after an attack by Sir Francis Drake at the end of the 16th century.
-
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas -
Majestically standing guard on a hillside overlooking the city and harbor is Castillo de San Felipe, a fortress built by the Spanish for protection against pirates while shipping gold out to Europe.
-
Historical Museum of Cartagena -
Behind a charming, colonial facade, the palace museum displays instruments of torture from the Spanish Inquisition, pre-Columbian, colonial and independence-era art.
-
Cartagena's Cathedral -
The cathedral is one of the largest in a series of fortresses with a massive exterior and simple interior. Partially demolished by Sir Francis Drake's cannons, it was completed in 1602.
-
Museo del Oro y Arqueología -
Gold and pottery collections of the Tayrona, Calima and Sinú people are on display, as well as panel exhibitions about the Atlantic coast cultures.
-
La Popa Monastery -
Built atop a hill, this 17th-century monastery features a chapel, a colonial museum and a spectacular view of the city, and remains inhabited by monks even today.
-
Folkloric Show -
This presentation of music and dance takes place at the historic Heredia Theater. Five distinct dances from three important regions of Colombia are performed by a professional dance company, from the Atlantic Coast (Cumbia), the Pacific Coast (Currulao and Abosao), and the Los Andes region (the Market Place and the Indian Legend).
