The 7 Most Interesting Facts About Cartagena

Cartagena, a beautiful Colombian city, is known for its rich history, stunning colorful architecture, and Caribbean culture. Here are 7 interesting facts you might not have known about the city:

1. The City’s Walls

Cartagena is surrounded by a 13-kilometer-long wall that was constructed during the colonial era to protect the city from pirates and invaders. The wall still stands strong today and is considered one of the most well-preserved colonial fortifications in the world.

2. The Palace of the Inquisition

The Palace of the Inquisition, located in Cartagena’s historic center, is now a museum. However, during the colonial era, it was used as a tribunal to torture and punish people who were accused of heresy, witchcraft, and other crimes.

3. Gabriel García Márquez’s Love for Cartagena

No list about Cartagena is complete without mentioning the influence of the Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel García Márquez. Cartagena was one of his favorite cities, and he spent a significant amount of time there. The city’s beauty and history inspired many of his works, including the famous novel “Love in the Time of Cholera.”

4. The Culinary Scene

Cartagena has a rich culinary scene that is influenced heavily by African, European, and indigenous cultures. Some of the most popular dishes include coconut rice, fried fish, and ceviche.

5. The Underground Tunnels

There are several underground tunnels in Cartagena that were used during the colonial era to transport goods and people. Today, some of these tunnels are open for tourists to explore.

6. The Fortifications

In addition to the city walls, Cartagena has several well-preserved forts that were built during the colonial era to protect the city from attacks. Some of the most famous forts include San Felipe de Barajas and Castillo San Fernando.

7. The Cartagena International Music Festival

The Cartagena International Music Festival is an annual event that brings together musicians from all over the world. The festival features a variety of genres, including classical, jazz, and traditional Colombian music. It’s a great way to experience the city’s vibrant culture and music scene.

In conclusion, Cartagena is a city full of interesting history, culture, and beauty. If you ever have the chance to visit, take a stroll along the city walls, explore the underground tunnels, and try some of the local cuisine. You won’t be disappointed!

An Insider’s Guide to Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena, located in the Caribbean region of Colombia, is a fascinating city that combines history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its colonial architecture, food, and music, it’s infamous for being a hotbed of piracy in the past, but today, it’s a vibrant destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. Here is an insider’s guide to Cartagena.

Local Best Attractions

1. Walled City – The Walled City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 16th century. Its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and charming plazas are a remarkable display of colonial architecture. It’s a great place to wander and explore, as there are lots of shops, galleries, and cafes to discover.

2. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas – The fortress is one of Cartagena’s most prominent landmarks and is a marvel of military engineering. It was built in the 17th century to protect the city from pirates and other threats. The castle is impressive, and the views of the city and the sea from the top are breathtaking.

3. Playa Blanca – If you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach, Playa Blanca is your best bet. Located on Isla Barú, just a short boat ride from Cartagena, this white sand beach and crystal clear water is worth your visit. Rent beach chairs and umbrellas or go on a snorkeling adventure.

Local Dining spots

1. La Cevichería – This small and cozy restaurant serves fresh seafood and ceviche, which is a traditional dish made with raw fish marinated in lime and spices. La Cevicheria is famous for its dedication to Malpelo Island as the source of ingredients and flavors.

2. Demente – Demente is a trendy restaurant that combines contemporary cuisine with Caribbean flavors. It has a creative menu focusing on local produce, seasonal ingredients, and traditional flavors.

3. La Palettería – Cool off with a delicious artisanal ice cream or a creative paleta at La Palettería. They offer flavors such as lulo, corozo, and passion fruit.

Local Culture

Cartagena is a bustling city full of lively people, vibrant music, and colorful street art. Here are three ideas of how to experience its rich culture:

1. Palenque de San Basilio – Palenque de San Basilio is an African-Colombian village located outside the city limits. It is known as the first settlement of emancipated slaves in the Americas, and it has preserved African traditions such as music, dance, and language.

2. Getsemaní Walls – This is an outdoor museum where local and international artists display their creative talent through paint on walls. Getsemaní Walls provide a unique cultural experience showcasing different styles of street art.

3. San Felipe Plaza – It’s possible to find local musicians and dancers performing at San Felipe Plaza in the evening time. It’s usually crowded with locals mingling and dancing to live Caribbean beats.

Local History

Cartagena’s city walls, fortress, and old town are a testament to the city’s rich history. Here are three ways to explore this past:

1. The Inquisition Palace – The palace now houses a museum dedicated to the history of the Spanish Inquisition in Cartagena. You can experience and learn about the local history surrounding the Christian faith.

2. Gold Museum – The Gold Museum is where you can explore the pre-Columbian history of the region. The museum exhibits an impressive collection of gold pieces crafted by indigenous peoples, demonstrating their mastery of metallurgy.

3. Museo de la Muralla – The Museum of the Wall provides historical insight into how the city was protected during the colonial era. It’s home to archeological finds such as carvings, pottery, and more uneartherd materials telling the city’s history.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking for something a little different, there are plenty of quirky and lesser-known things to do in Cartagena:

1. The Totumo Volcano – A short drive from Cartagena is a volcano filled with mud. Visitors can climb and swim in the mud pit, which is said to have therapeutic properties.

2. Las Bóvedas – The Bóvedas are a series of arches built into the wall that surrounds the old town, which once served as dungeons. Today, it’s a trendy shopping area where you can buy local art, jewelry, and souvenirs.

3. Night in La Boquilla – Cap off your Cartagena adventure with a night in La Boquilla, a rustic Caribbean fishing village north of the city. You can enjoy traditional coastal cuisine, live music, and visit shops where local artisans showcase their work.

Conclusion

Cartagena is a fascinating city with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, food, culture, beaches, or nightlife – Cartagena won’t disappoint. Use this insider’s guide to make the most of your time in this Caribbean gem.