A five-hour drive transported us from the countryside to Cartagena. Some call the city the “queen of the Caribbean coast” and others call it the “magic city.” The walled Old Town was founded in the 16th century and is a maze of cobbled streets, balconies covered in bougainvillea, colorful buildings, churches and plazas.
We started our stay with a half-day city tour. The first stop was the Convento de la Popa. The convent sits on the highest point in Cartagena (150 m) and was founded by Augustine fathers in 1607. The cloisters and city views were spectacular.
We then drove to the fortress Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. This impressive castle/fortress was strategically located to protect the city from land or sea attacks. The Spanish began construction in 1536 and there were numerous expansions and battles over the years. Now, the site is filled with tourists like us walking the walls and exploring the network of tunnels.
The driver said goodbye and we walked around the streets of Old Town with our guide, Elkin. He shared stories and pointing out interesting sites. We stopped for coffee at Cafe San Alberto and fresh fruit from a palenquera. The women are called this because they originally walked from San Bassilo de Palenque to Cartagena to sell fruit. Palenque was founded by runaway slaves during the Colonial era and negotiated its freedom by Royal Decree in 1691. It is considered the first “free” town in the New World.
Cartagena also has an interesting history with door knockers. Known as aldabas, they represent an aspect of life in Colonial times. The overall size of the door knocker denoted the status of the family. In addition, the designed was a quick way to signify the profession of the homeowner. For example, lions represented teachers, lizards represented royalty (our guide said politicians), masonic symbols represented builders, and marine images were on the homes of men who made their living from the sea (like merchants and traders).
We spent the remainder our days and nights strolling through the Old Town and not focus on seeing specific sites. We especially enjoyed walking early in the morning when the streets were quiet and the temperature was in the upper 70s and at night when the holiday lights sparked around the city.
Our hotel, Santa Clara was an extraordinary blend of vintage and contemporary with a history dating back to 1621. Historic elements such as crypts, wells, confessionals, doors, ceramics, windows and walls are integrated into the renovated spaces. Originally the Convent of Saint Clare of Assisi, it was also a hospital, prison and medical school over the years.
We were lucky to be in Cartagena on the Festival of Lights and our hotel joined in the celebrations. Just after dark, guests were asked to write a wish on a piece of paper attached to a helium-filled ballon.
There was a short light show set holiday music before everyone released their ballons into the sky.
Moments later, we watched a spectacular fireworks display over the ocean while drinking wine and eating holiday cookings before eating dinner in the courtyard. What a spectacular way to end our time in Cartagena.
