The main entrance to the historic walled city of Cartagena is famously known as the Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj). This significant landmark, built into the city wall, features a trio of open archways that offer a gateway into the Old City. A stunning clock tower crowns the central arch. With Baroque architecture, this beautiful eight-sided tower is painted golden-yellow with white trim.

Construction of this gateway took place between 1601 and 1631. Initially, only the central archway existed as a portal to the city. It was known as the Mouth of the Bridge (Boca del Puente). The other two housed an armory and a chapel. The clock tower was added later, during the early 18th century.

The Clock Tower is located next to Cars Square (Plaza de Los Coches) just inside the city walls. This triangular-shaped city square has a dark past as the place that once held Cartagena's slave market. This past also included public gallows in the center of the town square. On the plaza, directly across from the clock tower, you'll find the well-liked Cartagena sweets market known as Sweets Portal (Portal de Los Dulces).

The clock tower gate also serves as a connection from the city to the nearby Getsemani neighborhood just outside the walls. Getsemani is now a hip neighborhood filled with graffiti art and brightly painted buildings. Don't miss the two statues of Pegasus located on a nearby road that leads to the outside of the clock tower.

Square of the Carriages (Plaza de los Coches) is a historic square located in the heart of the walled city of Cartagena. This vibrant place is one of the city's most popular tourist destinations, known for its lively atmosphere, charming colonial architecture, and rich cultural history.

The square, originally known as Slave Square (Plaza del Esclavo), was where African slaves were bought and sold during the colonial period. In the early 19th century, the square was renamed Square of the Carriages as it became a popular spot for carriages to pick up and drop off passengers.

The square is bordered by several impressive colonial-era buildings, including the 18th-century Clock Tower and the Governor's Palace, which now houses the Museum of History of Cartagena. The architecture of these buildings reflects the city's rich cultural heritage and adds to the charm of the square.

Today, Square of the Carriages is a bustling hub of activity where visitors can find street vendors selling souvenirs, local food and drinks, and musicians playing traditional Colombian music. The area is also surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafes.

The square was a hub of social and cultural activity during the colonial era. It hosted bullfights, theatrical performances, and religious processions, which attracted people from all over the city.

The statue located in the Square of the Carriages depicts Pedro de Heredia, the Spanish conquistador who founded the city of Cartagena in 1533. The statue was erected in 1937 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the city's founding. It stands at the center of the square and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos.

The Church of Saint Peter Claver (Iglesia de San Pedro Claver) in the homonymous square (Plaza de San Pedro Claver) forms part of the complex of buildings made up of the Convent of San Pedro Claver and the archaeological museum. The church was built between 1580 and 1654 and was originally known as San Juan de Dios. In 1622, it was re-dedicated to San Ignacio de Loyola, before finally being assigned to San Pedro Claver.

The latter was a Jesuit priest and missionary who dedicated practically all his life to evangelizing the African slaves of New Granada. Born in Spain in 1580, Claver ministered at this church for many years and died at the adjacent convent in 1654. He was declared a saint in 1888.

The church building is of Spanish Colonial design, all except the dome, which was replaced in 1921. The architecture generally corresponds to the style commonly regarded as "Jesuit", widespread throughout Latin America. Much of its monumental façade is made of stone delivered from the island of Tierrabomba. The large and ornate wooden doors at the front, however, deviate from the Baroque style.

In contrast to the Baroque profusion on the outside, the interior of the church is distinguished by its severity. There are some beautiful stained glass windows and a winding staircase, climbing which you can get a bird's eye view of the inside. Underneath the main altar (made of marble imported from Italy), is a glass coffin holding the remains of Saint Peter Claver.

The three-story building of the convent, surrounding a lovely courtyard, is now a museum dedicated to the saint, Colombia's indigenous people, and the history of this location. In addition to the numerous artifacts on display, you can also see the humble dormitory in which San Pedro Claver lived and died.

Don't miss the whimsical metal sculptures in the square outside the church either. These delightfully avant-garde depictions of people at work and play were crafted by Colombian artist Eduardo Carmona. There is also a bronze statue of San Pedro Claver blessing a slave, created by sculptor Enrique Grau.

Plaza de Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo Square) is a vibrant square in the Old City of Cartagena. It was named after the beautiful church and convent Santo Domingo Church (also known as Santo Domingo Convent), which stands on one of its corners. The orange-yellow facade of the church and its massive arched entryway is striking. Check out the twisted bell tower on top.

With a gruesome past, this square was used during the Spanish Inquisition as a place for executions. The buildings surrounding Santo Domino Square boast Spanish Colonial architecture featuring balconies and red tile roofs. Around the square are shops, street vendors, lively restaurants, and plenty of outdoor tables for dining and relaxing.

Don't miss the famous "La Gorda Gertrudis" (Fat Gertrudis), a statue of a naked Rubenesque woman done in bronze. The sculpture was created by renowned artist Fernando Botero and stands in front of the church. It is a popular spot for taking photographs. The narrow nearby alleyways that branch off Santo Domingo Square are just ripe for exploration!

Near the front of a church in one corner of Santo Domingo Square is an eye-catching bronze statue of a voluptuous nude woman. You can't miss this stunning sculpture when you walk through this bustling Cartagena square. La Gorda translates to "the fat girl" in Spanish. Prominently placed on a pedestal, this well-loved reclining fat lady marks a favorite spot for visitors to take photos.

The statue is a creation of Fernando Botero, a world-renowned Colombian painter, and sculptor. He is well-known for his portrayal of rotund or chubby people and animals in his artwork. Botero's creative works are viewable in prominent locations around the world. His trademark style of art is famously known as "Boterismo."

In the year 2000, this extraordinary sculpture was gifted to the city of Cartagena by Botero. "Reclining Figure 92" was the sculpture's original title before receiving its more commonly known name, "La Gorda Gertrudis." Famous local legends surround this statue; the most generally known is that touching La Gorda's breast will make you lucky in love!

The Bastion of Santo Domingo (Baluarte de Santo Domingo) is a fortification, the origin of the Cartagena city walls constructed to protect the town against attacks. Soon after explorer Francis Drake pillaged Cartagena in 1586, plans were made to create a bastion to secure access to the city.

There are several things to see during your exploration of this large fortification. The stonework and masonry walls are well preserved. On the top of the bastion are rows of iron cannons resting along the parapet. At the front corner of the triangular-shaped structure is a small stone turret used as a watch tower.

This structure is located right next to the harbor and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and the Caribbean Sea. Cafe del Mar, a lively restaurant and bar with plenty of outdoor tables, has a central location on top of the bastion. It's a fun spot to stop and take in the magnificent views, enjoy a drink, listen to music, and watch the sunset.

The walls around the Old City of Cartagena were built as protection against enemy attacks and pirate raids. The city walls reached completion in 1796 after nearly two centuries of construction. The wall is thick and well-constructed. Today, the walls represent one of the best-preserved fortifications in South America.

Walking along the Murallas de Cartagena (Cartagena City Walls) is a fun way to explore the walled site and offers fabulous views of the city and the glistening Caribbean Sea. The walls surround the historic Old Cartagena and stretch for 11 kilometers (just under seven miles). In spots along the wall, you'll find watch towers, old iron cannons, and lookout points.

A popular place to watch the sunset is from the Bastion of Santo Domingo, a fortification that marks the origin of the efforts to secure the city. Cafe del Mar is a restaurant with a central spot at the top of the bastion along the city walls. Relaxing on the walls and enjoying a drink is a great way to end a day exploring Cartagena.

San Felipe de Barajas Castle (Castillo San Felipe de Barajas) is an old fortress located in Cartagena. It was built by the Spanish during the colonial period, to protect the city from attack by enemies and pirates.

The construction of the fortress began in 1536 under the direction of the Spanish engineer Antonio de Arévalo. However, the original structure was small and inadequate, so it was expanded and improved by subsequent Spanish engineers.

The most significant expansion of the fortress took place in the 17th century when the Spanish engineer Bautista Antonelli designed and built the present-day structure. Antonelli's design included a series of walls and bastions that made the fortress nearly impregnable.

The fortress played a crucial role in Cartagena's defense against various attacks by enemies and pirates, including the English, in 1741, during the War of Jenkins' Ear. The fortress held off the English for two months, and the battle ended with the Spanish victory.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, the fortress lost its military significance and was used for various purposes, including as a prison and a hospital. In 1984, UNESCO declared the historic center of Cartagena, including the fortress, a World Heritage Site.

Today, San Felipe de Barajas Castle is a popular tourist attraction in Cartagena. Visitors can explore the castle and learn about its history through exhibits and guided tours. The fortress also offers panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.

Formerly known as Callejón Angosto (Narrow Alley), this is indeed one of the narrowest streets in Getsemani. In recent years, in a bid to add color to its coral stone walls, the area – just like many other places around the world – embraced a new look with the help of an old accessory, the umbrella.

Being the first place in Colombia to put on such a look, the alleyway was subsequently renamed Calle de las Sombrillas (Umbrellas Street), becoming Cartagena's own Instagramable spot purposely designed for photo taking. A combination of overhanging umbrellas, colorful houses, and street art makes it undoubtedly one of the most picturesque locations in the city, especially when it's lit up at night.

The umbrellas proved a welcome addition from both artistic and practical standpoints, too, providing the much-needed shade from the scorching heat during midday, as well as protecting walkers from torrential rains when they come.

Having taken your must-have picture here, consider leaving a small tip in the box at the end of the street, as this is one of the few spots in Getsemaní that is still predominantly residential.

Plaza de la Trinidad in Cartagena's Getsemaní takes its name from the eponymous church, La Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad, located right in front of it, completed in 1643.

The square is historically significant as the place of the country's first independence movement, the rebellion of Gethsemane lancers, in 1811, headed by blacksmith Pedro Romero. It ultimately led to the declaration of independence of what was then known as the city of Cartagena de Indias from the Spanish crown, some 11 years before the rest of the country became independent. Following the event, the square was renamed Plaza de la Libertad (Freedom Square).

Today, there is a sculpture in the plaza paying tribute to Pedro Romero. Created by artist Nora Quintana, the sculptural group (made of fiberglass, resin and bronze patina) features Romero with his fist raised high in the air, accompanied by the Franciscan priest Father Umaña, and a Drummer.

Lately, the bohemian air of Getsemaní neighborhood found its way to this area in the form of graffiti. Alluding to the life and customs of the city, the graffiti create the image of a colonial-era plaza “disguised as a modern spot”, all the more beautiful in its own rustic way.

A piece of wall art to be noted in particular here is the picture-perfect mural of a black bird called Maria Mulata, which is the official bird of Cartagena. Painted by Colombian artist and graphic designer, Yurika MDC, at a glance, it seems just like an ordinary bird painted on yellow background, with some flashing lights of different colors added for decoration. However, locals know that, when the sun hits the bird from certain angles, these bright colors come to a full, meaningful display. Reportedly, the artist borrowed the idea for the mural from an old story told by a longtime Getsemaní resident.

Attractive by day, the square is also one of the coolest hangouts at night thanks to the street performers, food stands, and dine-in restaurants located nearby, largely stimulating the attendance by tourists and locals alike.

Stemming from Calle de la Sierpe to the south is a curved, narrow alley – Calle de San Juan (San Juan Street). Named after Saint John the Baptist, this is one of the few places in Cartagena to retain its original name from colonial times.

At 187 meters, this is also one of the longest “inner” streets in the Getsemaní neighborhood, and with a great deal of history packed inside these 187 meters, too. A century ago, this street was famed as the one inhabited by Admiral José Prudencio Padilla, the hero of the Expulsion of Mexico’s Spaniards in 1821-1836. More recently, it was the home of the notorious gangster, Samir Beetar, who made the name for himself among locals by helping needy neighbors and those with sick children pay for their medicine.

Still, what makes Calle de San Juan stand out today, at least in the eyes of numerous visitors, is the impressive collection of wall paintings coupled with an array of delightful cafes and restaurants lining the street. While the eateries and drinking establishments lure passers-by with their cozy atmosphere, the color palette of the surrounding artwork makes one feel as if drifting down the river of ink... Both pastimes are equally engaging!