Top Rated Attractions in Cartagena

A majestic piece of architecture, the San Felipe de Barajas Castle is a fortification built in the 1600's in honor of the Spanish monarch, King Felipe IV. This stone fort is a magnificent feat in engineering for its time and was built in order to repel land attacks by the English Crown. Visitors can explore its mysterious underground passages, sentry boxes and chambers where food and munitions were stored. The descent down its 27 meters (88.6 feet) deep stairwell traverses narrow and low corridors. The high towers and turrets of the castle, on the other hand, offer a stunning, panoramic view of the city. Visitors can also relive the heroic deeds of those times by means of the spectacular light and sound shows. Towering palm trees surround the stunning castle, and the site has established itself as a well-known tourist attraction.

It is located within the Ciudad Amurallada (Walled City) surrounded also by banks and other financial institutions. The statue of Christopher Columbus stands at its centre. The current office of the Mayor is situated along the walled stretch of the square, which is one of the widest of its kind in the city. The "Customs Plaza" was named after the former customs house. Its spaciousness is ideal for the musical concerts and poetry competitions with nationally renowned artists.

A magnificent building which is reminiscent of varied architectural styles including the 'Jesuitic' and Baroque, the Iglesia San Pedro Claver is an ornately constructed church situated in Colombia. Its exterior comprises of a stone facade, with twin towers flanking the central nave. The beautifully carved columns and statues are a sight to behold. Stained glass windows adorn the interior of the church, and the altar is surrounded by religious paraphernalia. It presents a splendid visage, with important relics and symbolic sculptures placed here. The glass coffin containing the remains of San Pedro is presented at the altar, and the adjoining convent bears remnants of Pedro's life during his time here. A museum with displays pertaining to the Afro-Caribbean contemporary art and pre-Colombian ceramics is situated in the convent.

This well-known square is named after Santo Domingo's church, which faces it. Famous for the local celebrities, dignitaries and international jet set who have visited here, it is the ideal place to spend a quiet afternoon, have a heartfelt chat with friends or spend a romantic evening. Surrounded by outdoor cafes and creperías (crepe shops), musicians and poets help evoke a Parisian square. The bohemian and artistic atmosphere is the perfect accompaniment for a bottle of wine. A statue of Venus, rendered by Colombian's popular artist Fernando Botero, stands on one corner.

Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Las Murallas de Cartagena are formidable fortifications dating back to the late 16th Century. The sturdy walls were built in order to safeguard the then Spanish port city of Cartagena from possible invasions and attacks by pirate ships. One of the most elaborate displays of military fortifications across the continent, Las Murallas de Cartagena and its environs are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Built under the guidance of Bautista Antonelli, an Italian engineer, the site beautifully reflects its historic glory. Once, an erstwhile bastion of the Spanish Crown, Las Murallas now presents itself as a perfect vantage point to soak in sea views and ombre sunsets.

The city's cathedral is also known as the Basílica Menor whose patron saint is Santa Catalina de Alejandría. The beautiful, medieval-style architecture dates from 1575 though the building was rebuilt in 1612. It is a remarkably sober church, unlike the other heavily elaborate temples in Cartagena. The high altar is entirely carved wood with a gold finish. The cathedral is located within the historic Ciudad Amurallada (Walled City), next to the Palacio de Gobierno and diagonally across from the Plaza de Bolívar. Its entrance is through the side door where the Reloj de Sol (Sun Clock) is sculpted in the wall.