CARTAGENA
GENERAL INFORMATION
Founded: 1533 by Pedro de Heredia.
Language:Spanish. Currency:Colombian Pesos.
Altitude:5 metres above sea level.
Average temperature: 30 degrees centigrade.
Dialing code: 095 National 0095 International
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
General Information 113.
Metropolitan Police 112.
Drugstores 132.
Local Time 117.
TOURISTIC INFORMATION
Tourist Information: Promotora de Turismo de Cartagena: Located in Bocagrande -
Flanagan
Park 6654987
Nigth Life
The nights lighted by streetlamps invite tourists to walk the city and visit the many
entertainment locations, spreading a sense of happiness and a great desire to
dance and party to the Caribbean Cartagena de Indias style.
GASTRONOMY
A variety of dishes make up the Caribbean diet. It´s worth mentioning the
Sancocho de Sábalo (Shad stew), a very common fish in the area, with is prepared
with coconut milk, yam, cassava, potatoes and plantain. The international
gastronomy in Cartagena is exquisite and there are many dishes to choose from.
AIRPORT
International Airport "Rafael Nuñez". Tel. 6660106
ATTRACTIONS
HISTORICAL-CULTURAL
Iglesia de San Pedro Claver (Church): It was built in 1603 and its inner cloister has
conserved its original chapel where the apostle of the black people held their first
masses. It is one of the most visited attractions in the city.
Bodegòn de La Candelaria (Inn): It is located on the San Juan de Dios avenue. It is
a colonial style building, with spatious patios, hallways and halls. The image of the
Virgen of La Candelaria was found at this site which is now displayed at El Cerro de
La Popa.
Convento de Santa Clara (Convent): The previous cloister of Santa Clara was built
350 years. At the moment Santa Clara Hotel uses its premises and it is considered
to be an historic monument of the walled city.
Cerro de La Popa (peak): The Popa Monastery was founded in 1607 by the
Augustinian monks. It religious is considered to be one of the most important
constructions in America. It is dedicated to the Virgen of La Candelaria, patron
saint of the Cartagena people. An excellent view of the whole city can been seen
from the peak.
ARCHITECTURAL
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas (Castle=: It is located on the Antonio de Arevalo
avenue. It was built under the request of the Spaniard kings during the 16th
century and it took more than 100 years to build. This military fort served as
general quarters during many occasions to defend the city. It is one of the most
visited sites by tourists. The castle has still conserved its underground tunnels that
connect the many quarters. The castle served as protection to overcome the
attack of Admiral Vernon in 1741.
Centro de Convenciones de Cartagena de Indias (Convention Centre): The
convention centre is located in front of the Muelle Los Pegasos and 1300 square
metres of stone were used to build its fachade and outer floors. It has two
enormous confernce halls with a capacity to hold 5000 people and it offers the
highest techonology in communications.
MUSEUM
Museo de Biologìa Marina o Naval (Marine or Naval Biology Museum): It is located
at the Naval Base and it is a centre for scientific studies and research and
oceanographic experiments.
Casa del Marques de Valdehoyos: It is located on Factoría street. In the past it
used to be a flour market and where the slaves brought from Africa were sold. Part
of its original building, of French origin, has been conserved.
Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower): It was built at the beginning of the 19th century by
Juan de Herrera. It consists of three bomb-resistent vaults. In front of its main
entrance there is a bridge that connects the Getsemani area with the Walled city,
which were once separated by a moat. That is why the door is called 'The Mouth of
the Bridge'. The entrance to the Clock Tower is a highly visited area and a meeting
place for many in the city.
Museo del Oro (Gold Museum): An excellent exposition of the Tayrona, Sinu,
Muisca, Calima and Quimbaya handicraft. In one of its halls one can see the routes
the Spaniards took during the colonial period.
Palacio de la Inquisiciòn (Inquisition Palace): It is situated in la Plaza de Bolivar
(Bolivar square) and was built in 1770 and was finished in 1775. The church dealt
with cases of witchery and heresy. The cells still have some of the torture tools,
such as racks, torture wheel, stocks and chains. At the moment the Academy of
History is working within the Palace.
CONTEMPORARY WORKS
Monumento a los Zapatos Viejos (Old Shoes) Monument: This monument was
made in honor of Don Luis López, also know as 'El Tuerto López' (One Eye Blind
López), a poet from Cartagena, who is known for his famous poem 'A los Zapatos
Viejos' (For the Old Shoes).
Casa de la Aduana o Palacio Municipal (The Customs House or the Municipal
Palace): It is located at the Customs Square. It is a colonial style mansion from the
16th century with a renaissance facade. At the present it is occupied by the
Mayor's office and the Museum of Modern Art which frequently offers expositions in
its main hall.
Plaza de los Coches (Wagon Square): It is the first square when entering the Clock
door. It used to be the square where the slaves were sold. In its time it was known
as the Judges, the Roll, the Marketeer and the Equator Square.
Parque de Centenario (Centennial Park): It was inaugurated in 1911. Luis Felipe
Jaspe created its plans and it was built in celebration for the 100 year anniversary
of Cartagena's independence.
Monumento a la India Catalina (Monument): This sculpture, made in bronze by the
Spanish artist Eladio Gil Zambrano in 1974, is a Indian who symbolises the
Caribbean race and american women.
Las Bòvedas (The Vaults): Located at the plaza holding the same name, it served
as quarters during the Reconquest and the independence war to store life and
military supplies, and then served as a prison. The enormous neoclassic
construction is now the most important handicraft centre in the Caribbean.
Casa de Rafael Nuñez: Ubicada en el barrio El Cabrero, frente a la Iglesia de la
Ermita. La casa museo, Guarda en sus salones algunos de los objetos y
pertenencias del expresidente de Colombia, autor de la constitución de 1886 y de
la letra del Himno Nacional.
Parque de Bolivar (Park): It has held its name since 1896, when the Liberator's
statue was erected. It also held other names such as the Main Square, the
Cathedral Square and the Inquisition Park.
ACTIVITIES
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Summer time festival June – July
International champioship to set sail. June – July
Taurine Season – January
Natural Beauty Reign. November
Nautic Fair. March-April
The fishing club regatta
Caribbean Music Festival. February
International Movie Festival – March
National Hall of Antiquate – Janury
Candlemass holydays – January
The Jazz Festival – December.
SUN-BEACH
El Laguito: Known as one of the exclusive sectors of the heroic city, made up of
large buildings and hotels. Luxurious restaurants and discoteques are located in
the area and water sports are practised in its surrounding waters.
Bocagrande beach: A touristic and hotel area that offers the best services for
tourists to enjoy their vacation period. Five star hotels, fashion stores and
shopping centres are all available in here.
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Cartagena Colombia
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