Cartagena or Cartagena de Indias ("Cartagena of the Indies"), is a city on the northern coast of Colombia in the Caribbean Coast Region and capital of the Bolívar Department. The port city had a population of 892,545 as of the 2005 census. The Cartagena urban area is also the fifth-largest urban area in the country. Economic activities include maritime and petrochemicals industry, as well as tourism.
The city was founded on June 1, 1533, and named after Cartagena, Spain. However, settlement in this region around Cartagena Bay by various indigenous people dates back to 4000 BC. During the colonial period Cartagena served a key role in administration and expansion of the Spanish empire. It was a center of political and economic activity due to the presence of royalty and wealthy viceroys. Cartagena is the city most associated with pirates in the Caribbean, and the world. In 1984 Cartagena's colonial walled city and fortress were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The four of us were met at the pier by a local tour guide, 'Dora' from Cartagena tours. She'd also put us in touch with two other couples who were wanting to do a local tour - so the 8 of us alighted her air-conditioned (lovely!) van for a 4.5 hr tour. It's very hard to see everything in such a short time!
We began our tour in Manga where we saw great mansions built at the beginning of the XX Century.
We visited the main monuments of the city. We started at the hill of La Popa from where, besides visiting the monastery and the chapel, we were able to admire a fantastic view of the city. Following that, we headed towards the San Felipe de Barajas Fort, the most important fort built in the whole American continent. Photo Stop. Next we walked and drove around the walled area - old city admiring houses and plazas such as Plaza de Santa Teresa, Plaza de Bolivar, Plaza de la Aduana, Plaza de los Coches, full of history and legends. Photo stop at the Palace of the Inquisition.
We did a stop at the Dungeons, which today are 23 handcraft shops.
We Visited a Church called San Pedro Claver Church.
Finally we went to the new city and saw all this modern architecture, we saw the bay and the forts, and we visited Pierino Gallo Mall. (Emeralds, fine leather goods, coffee, hand craft, cafeteria, Internet). The boys had time for a beer (Aguila) whilst the ladies shopped. It was a very hot day!
We didn't see all of the things we could have, in Cartagena. Four hours was just not long enough. But it is a beautiful, clean city and we enjoyed what we saw!
A view of San Felipe de Barajas Fort - it has never been invaded. Huge!
Inside San Pedro Claver Church (he's the priest who kept working until he freed the slaves). A young man had his macaws on show - $US1 to hold and have a picture taken!
Shops at the Dungeons - we liked them! Note the local lady with the bowl of fruit balanced on her head!
An example of the beautiful streets we walked through in the Old City.
Saying goodbye to the lovely Dora!
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