Walled City of Cartagena | Cartagena

Information

Landmark: Walled City of Cartagena
City: Cartagena
Country: Colombia
Continent: South America

Walled City of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia, South America

The Walled City of Cartagena is a historic fortified colonial city located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

It encompasses the old town and the Getsemaní neighborhood, protected by extensive stone walls and fortifications.

Visual Characteristics

The architecture features colonial-era buildings constructed primarily from coral stone and stucco. Structures are characterized by colorful facades, wooden balconies, and red-tiled roofs. The city is enclosed by stone walls reaching up to 11 meters in height and 5 meters in thickness in some sections. The fortifications include bastions, ramparts, and defensive towers.

Location & Access Logistics

The Walled City is situated on the eastern side of the Bay of Cartagena. It is approximately 5 kilometers from Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). Access from the airport can be via taxi or ride-sharing services, taking approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Within the Walled City, pedestrian movement is primary, with limited vehicle access in certain zones. Parking is available in multi-story garages such as Parking La Tenaza or Parking Las Bóvedas, located at the periphery of the historic center.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the fortifications began in the 16th century, with significant expansion and reinforcement occurring throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. The primary purpose was defense against pirate attacks and foreign invasions. The city was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia. The underlying geology consists of coastal plains and alluvial deposits.

Key Highlights & Activities

Walk along the top of the city walls, particularly the section known as Las Murallas, for views of the Caribbean Sea and the city. Explore the historic plazas such as Plaza de Bolívar and Plaza de Santo Domingo. Visit the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a large fortress located just outside the main walls. Guided walking tours focusing on history and architecture are available. Photography opportunities are present throughout the day, with specific lighting conditions at sunrise and sunset.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available in most restaurants, cafes, and public buildings. Shade is provided by building overhangs, awnings, and trees in some plazas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong within the Walled City. Numerous restaurants, cafes, and street vendors offer food and beverages throughout the historic center.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is during the golden hours, approximately one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset, for softer light. The driest months are typically from December to April, offering pleasant weather. High tide is not a significant factor for accessing the Walled City itself.

Facts & Legends

A local legend suggests that the city's walls were built using a mixture of lime, molasses, and ox blood to strengthen the mortar. While the exact composition is debated, the fortifications are renowned for their durability.