Calle de San Juan (Saint John's Street), Cartagena

Branching south from Serpent Street is a curved, narrow alley known as Saint John’s Street. Named after Saint John the Baptist, it is one of the few streets in Cartagena to have retained its original name since colonial times.

At 187 metres long, it is also one of the longest inner streets in the Getsemani neighbourhood, with a great deal of history packed into its relatively short length. In the early 19th century, the street was home to Admiral José Prudencio Padilla, the celebrated Afro-Colombian naval hero who played a prominent role in the historic Battle of Lake Maracaibo in 1823. More recently, it was home to the notorious gangster Samir Beetar, who nevertheless became known among some local residents for helping people in need, including families struggling to pay for their children’s medicine.

Still, what makes Saint John’s Street stand out today, at least in the eyes of many visitors, is its impressive collection of street art, combined with the inviting cafés and restaurants lining the narrow lane. While the eateries and bars tempt passers-by with their cosy atmosphere, the vivid palette of the surrounding murals makes walking down the street feel almost like drifting along a river of colour.

Whether you stop for a drink, admire the artwork or simply wander along the winding street, both its lively atmosphere and colourful surroundings make Saint John’s Street well worth exploring.