Calle e Plazuela del Pozo (Well Street and Square), Cartagena

Well Street-one of the most romantic and picturesque streets in Getsemani-branches off the small Well Square. This charming little plaza was not part of the neighbourhood’s original urban plan and is said to have developed spontaneously around the water well from which local residents once collected so-called “oily water”-unsuitable for drinking but useful for various household and practical purposes. Both the square and the street subsequently took their names from this well.

The area is rich in history and becomes particularly lively at night, with live music and plenty of places to enjoy food and drinks. If you happen to visit at the right moment, you may even find yourself watching a spontaneous dance performance in the street. Combined with the colourful murals, this lively atmosphere makes it difficult to imagine that, in 1811, the area was associated with armed clashes against the colonial authorities during the struggle that culminated in Cartagena’s declaration of absolute independence from Spain.

Throughout the Getsemani neighbourhood, you’ll encounter numerous depictions of Pedro Romero, a prominent local leader of mixed African and European ancestry who helped mobilise residents in support of Cartagena’s independence movement. One particularly striking example can be found in Well Square. Created by graffiti artist Ceroker, the mural portrays Romero as an astronaut holding a flame in his outstretched hand. An inscription accompanying the artwork reads: “Here, the insurgency of the people began.”