Holiday Destination: Cartagena

Cartagena's Old Town was once ransomed to the Spanish crown for 2 million gold pieces by Sir Francis Drake, and it was for centuries Spain's vault for its vast South American holdings. It's no wonder that travelers are fast discovering this city. During the day, the temperature hovers at an eternal 88°F, and the heat rises languidly off the cobblestone streets. The city earned the nickname La Heroica, having endured hundreds of sieges throughout the 17th and 18th centuries — as evidenced by the 400-year-old walls, made of mined coral, that encircle the city.

Climate

Summer 28 °C and Winter 10 °C.

Tourist Season

Rainy season is from April through May, and October through November.

Accommodation

Hotels, Hostels, Apartments, Studio Apartment, Houses.

General Information Of Cartagena

• Land Area: 221 sq miles (572 km²).
• Population: 2 Lakh.
• Capital City: Caqueta.
• Language: Se Habla Espanol and Spanish.

Tourist Attraction in or Near by Cartagena

Walled City

An ancient city with an exciting and pirate ridden past, Cartagena Colombia is a unique place to visit and learn about. The city, in its hey-day, was one of the most important commercial ports in all of the Spanish empire. Stone fortresses and towering walls up to 20 meters thick characterizing Colombia's coastal city of Cartagena are reminders of the Caribbean's shady pirate past. The colossal walls of Cartagena went under construction towards the end of the 16th century and were not finished until 1796. On the inner part of the 20 meter thick wall, were and still are the city's heart, lovely plazas, and stunning home, while its outside was cold and impenetrable.

San Felipe de Barajas Castle

The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a fortress located in the city of Cartagena, Colombia. The castle is located on the Hill of San Lázaro in a strategic location, dominating approaches to the city by land or sea. The fortress was begun in 1536. It was significantly expanded in 1657. It was built in a triangular shape on top of the hill, with eight guns and a garrison of 20 soldiers and 4 gunners. The stone blocks used to build the castle were said to be splattered with the blood of slaves. Cartagena was a port of the black slave trade.

Cathedral de San Pedro Claver

First constructed in the 17th century by the Jesuits, this church's convent served as the residence for Saint Pedro Claver (1580-1654). The remains of San Pedro Claver are kept in a glass coffin in the altar. His skull is visible, making this an altar with a difference. For a small fee you may enter the adjoining residence and gardens where Saint Pedro Claver lived, worked, and finally died. There is a small museum there, and an entrance to the nave of this magnificent church when the main doors are closed. On the plaza facing the church is also the Museum of Modern Art, in front of which are positioned about the plaza a number of charming sculptures.

Accessibility

Bus Terminal

Terminal Bus Barranquilla

Картахена, Bolivar, 130015, Colombia.

Nearest Airport

Rafael Núñez International Airport: For the international flights located in Bolivar

Eldorado International Airport: For the international flights located in Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia.

Nearest Railway Station

La Matuna: Cartagena, Bolivar, Colombia.