Located on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is a
beautiful and romantic city that enchants its visitors with its colonial atmosphere.
Founded in 1533, most of the trade was going through Cartagena, becoming the most
important port in the spanish colonies. The need to defend the city from constant pirate
attacks, led in the 17th century to construction of fortresses like San Felipe de Barajas,
San Fernando, San Angel and San Jose around the bay.
Dubbed "La Heroica" ("The
Heroic") for its stern resistance against constant attacks from Spain in the
Independence War, Cartagena has beautiful beaches like El Laguito and Bocagrande, a trendy
area surrounded by hotels, shops, restaurants, bars and discos.
Cartagena's most important festival is the
national beauty pageant, followed closely by the whole country and its high-point
coinciding with the city's Independence Day, November 11th. The Cartagena Film
Festival is an important event where films from all over the world are showcased for two
weeks in February.
Walking around the old town is a trip back in
time, where churches, squares, monasteries and narrow colonial streets dimly lit come to
life from a land of fantasy and dreams.
Just 20 miles (30 km) off the coast, the
Islas del Rosario are a beautiful set of islands in pristine waters, ideal for snorkeling,
scuba diving or just relaxing and forgetting about the world.
With daily flights into its international
airport and with constant arrivals of cuise ships, Cartagena can be easily reached.
Other main attractions include the Palacio de
la Inquisicion, Torre del Reloj, Templo de Santo Domingo, Casa del Marqués de Valdehoyos,
Iglesia San Pedro Claver and Casa de la Aduana
Explore other
destinations in Colombia: Visit Medellin!
