Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower), Cartagena (must see)

The Clock Tower is one of Cartagena’s most recognisable landmarks and the main gateway into its historic walled city. Built directly into the city walls, the entrance consists of three open archways crowned by an eight-sided tower painted golden yellow with white detailing.

Construction of the original gateway took place between 1601 and 1631. Initially, only the central arch served as an entrance to the city and was known as the Bridge Gate. It was reached by a drawbridge crossing Saint Anastasius Channel, which could be raised to protect the city from attack. The spaces on either side served other purposes, including as an armoury and a chapel.

The gateway was badly damaged during the French attack on Cartagena in 1697 and was subsequently rebuilt. Its familiar appearance developed much later. A public clock imported from the United States was installed in 1874, while in 1888, Cartagena-born architect Luis Felipe Jaspe designed the distinctive tower that rises above the gateway today. The original clock mechanism was later replaced by a Swiss one.

Before walking through the arches, step back to admire the Clock Tower rising above the warm yellow walls. The gateway historically connected the fortified city with the nearby Getsemani neighbourhood, today known for its colourful buildings and street art. Nearby, you can also look for two statues of Pegasus, the winged horse of Greek mythology. To find them, cross the busy intersection and head south-west from the Clock Tower. If you’re eager to take in the sea breeze, you’re in luck-the statues overlook the Bay of Souls.

Pass beneath the Clock Tower and you’ll emerge directly into Carriages Square, a triangular plaza with a darker history. During the colonial period, the square was associated with Cartagena’s slave market and once contained public gallows. Directly opposite the Clock Tower stands the popular Sweets Portal, where vendors sell traditional Colombian confectionery.

More than simply a picturesque entrance, the Clock Tower marks the transition into centuries-old Cartagena. Passing beneath its arches means following the same historic gateway through which generations of residents, merchants, soldiers and travellers entered the fortified city.