Plaza de La Trinidad (Trinity Square), Cartagena

Trinity Square, in Cartagena’s Getsemani neighbourhood, takes its name from the Church of the Holy Trinity, which overlooks the square and was completed in 1643.

The square is historically significant for its association with Cartagena’s independence movement. In 1811, residents of Getsemani, including the local militia known as the Getsemani Lancers, played an important role in the revolutionary movement led by blacksmith and community leader Pedro Romero. Their actions helped bring about Cartagena’s declaration of absolute independence from the Spanish Crown on 11 November 1811, years before independence from Spain was secured across what is now Colombia.

Today, a sculpture in the square pays tribute to Pedro Romero and the independence movement. Created by artist Nora Quintana, the sculptural group depicts Romero with his fist raised high in the air, accompanied by the Franciscan priest Father Umaña and a drummer.

The bohemian character of the Getsemani neighbourhood has also found its way into the square through colourful street art. One particularly noteworthy work is the photogenic mural of a black bird known as Maria Mulata, considered an emblematic bird of Cartagena. Created by Colombian artist and graphic designer Yurika MDC, the mural initially appears to depict an ordinary dark-feathered bird against a yellow background, surrounded by flashes of colour. When sunlight strikes the mural from certain angles, however, these colours become much more vivid, revealing the work’s full visual effect.

Attractive by day, Trinity Square becomes one of Getsemani’s liveliest gathering places after dark, thanks to its street performers, food stalls and nearby restaurants.