Getsemani Public Arts Walking Tour (Self Guided), Cartagena

Long known as the “neighbourhood of the poor” and notorious for criminal activity, the district of Getsemani has undergone considerable gentrification in recent years, becoming one of Cartagena’s hippest areas and an increasingly popular tourist destination. Local squares once associated with crime have been reclaimed, while many formerly neglected buildings have been transformed into boutique hotels, restaurants and cafés.

Most importantly, a remarkable cultural renaissance beginning in the early 2010s helped transform the district, historically inhabited by servants and working-class residents, into a magnet for artists and creative people from around the world. This revival has prompted many visitors to turn their attention to Getsemani as a lively and distinctive alternative to Cartagena’s more polished historic centre.

One of the most striking signs of this transformation is Getsemani’s street art, an impressive array of colourful murals created by local and international artists and found throughout the neighbourhood. Many depict scenes of everyday life, including street vendors and children playing, while others portray notable figures such as Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez and local independence hero Pedro Romero, alongside more abstract works.

Among the most popular locations is the winding Serpent Street, one of the neighbourhood’s main centres of street art. Nearby Saint John’s Street, connected to Serpent Street, combines colourful murals with cosy eateries and a lively social atmosphere.

Another colourful destination is Flip Flops Street, where brightly painted façades are complemented by lush plants and vines spilling across the walls. Umbrellas Street, formerly known as Narrow Alley, is particularly photogenic, with rows of colourful umbrellas suspended overhead and illuminated after dark.

No trip to Cartagena would be complete without exploring Getsemani, often regarded as the artistic heart and soul of the city. Even beyond its murals, there is always something new to discover. Its colourful streets reflect Cartagena’s history, creativity and community life, making the neighbourhood rewarding to explore at almost any time of day-especially on a self-guided walk with the GPSmyCity app.