City Guide: Cartagena

Beware in Cartagena as it is addictive.

Its location at the Caribbean coast is more than an impressive setting, but a lifestyle. Charming and attractive, Cartagena absorbed the best features from the Caribbean go-go feel, old world-style architecture and hot salsa dancing.

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Cartagena is hot not only for salsa, but for its weather too. This is a place where people don't know anything about wind and humidity, instead only 12 months of sun. In fact, pleasant weather drew legions of tourists to this Caribbean destination placing it in the very heart of cultural happenings. Cartagena goes beyond the aquatic playground compounded by sun, sand and surfing opportunities towards a hub of culture. Its architecture will immerse you in the romantic aura of the colonial days. More than 12 ornate colonial buildings reflect foreign influence over the city since the 16th century.

Attractions include; 

• The Castillo de San Felipe, a fortress by the Dutch engineer Richard Carr

• La Popa hill offers panoramic views of the city and is home to the 17th century Santa Cruz monastery

• The Palacio de la Inquisición, a very historic place where the Spanish Inquisition tortured

• Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, built in honor of the priest St. Pedro Claver

• Playa Blanca, the most popular beach for swimming and sunbathing

If you are tired of pre-planned tours, Cartagena is a bustling place to explore spontaneously and each time it will amuse you in a different way. One day it can be about colonial houses, balconies, small parks, but the other can explode with fun like excellent parties, salsa moves and refreshing alcohol.

Hence, the secret of Cartagena's appeal is the life going on there. For a dose of this relaxed lifestyle come famous guests like the singer Julio Iglesias, actor Robert De Niro and politician Bill Clinton, but some of them even have properties in Cartagena like artist Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Having evolved into pleasing retreat, Cartagena's heart is a world away from this. If you are looking for the true Cartagena, you should move away from its modern feel toward its historic heritage. For its historical significance the city earned the name of "La Ciudad Heroica" meaning the heroic city. 

Cartagena was brought to life by Pedro de Heredia and grew quickly to the main water crossing. The city expended on commerce, but this also proved a lure for pirate attacks. In response to these maritime invasions locals built a wall around the city and Cartagena continued to flourish. The most troubled piece of Cartagena's history happened when the Spanish forces under Pablo Morillo came in 1815 to prevent Cartegena from becoming independent from Spanish rule. Cartagena had to wait for its liberation until October 1821.

From its past to present, Cartagena is an attractive place to visit with Booked.net.