Grab a tissue because today we’re going to dust off the best monuments and the history behind them in my city, your city, Cartagena de Indias!
Visiting new cities inspires us to look beyond what meets the eye, which is why we often see monuments in cities that represent the greatness of a country or a city.
Cartagena de Indias is no exception. That’s why, during your tour of the city, we’ll tell you which are the best monuments in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, and their history—a must for your photo post!
The Clock Tower
“A Key Witness of Cartagena de Indias”
Welcome to the tour of the Monuments of Cartagena de Indias, one of the most visited cities by tourists!
Buckle up, because we’re about to travel to the past in this time machine, the clock!
“Boca del Puente” and “La Puerta del Reloj” are some of the names given to the monument known today as the “Clock Tower.”
This tower was built in 1631, initially called “Boca del Puente” (Mouth of the Bridge), as it had a drawbridge over the San Anastasio canal, directly connecting the city center with Getsemaní. It was considered the main entrance to the city, hence the name “La Puerta del Reloj” (The Clock Gate). It also served as a strategic watchtower and defense point for the people of Cartagena.
The Clock Tower has witnessed the constant sieges and attacks on Cartagena de Indias, as during colonial times it was one of the most important ports in the Caribbean. In the late 17th century, it was partially destroyed by Baron de Pointis, leading to its reconstruction by the renowned Spanish military engineer Juan de Herrera y Sotomayor. This reconstruction contributed to the historical monuments of Cartagena de Indias that we visit today.
In 1873, a new clock and two bells from San Pedro Claver were acquired, and 63 years later, the clock was replaced by the current one, imported from Switzerland. In 1888, the modification carried out by Cartagena engineer Luis Felipe Jaspe was inaugurated, making the Clock Tower one of the most prominent monuments of Cartagena and the world.
DID YOU KNOW?…
The Clock Tower was named by BBC London as one of the 5 most iconic clocks in the world.
Structure: Its structure consists of three levels or floors. The first is the base, which includes the “Boca del Puente” (Mouth of the Bridge), and has a square shape with two windows and a door. The second is octagonal, where the clock is located, and finally, the third is a pointed floor where the bells are housed, topped with a spire. The Clock Tower stands 30 meters tall.
Now that you know the key witness to the socioeconomic changes of our city, Cartagena de Indias, we invite you to take a closer look! Besides being the main entrance and a starting point for exploring the city, as well as the city’s protector, it is one of the most important examples of colonial architecture in the country and the world. Today, this monument, the Clock Tower, has become the ideal home for expressing our cultural heritage, including our musical roots through dance, music, and Colombian folklore.
India Catalina
“A Crucial Woman for the Spanish Conquest”
Today, talking about and highlighting bravery, strength, or female empowerment has become not only popular but important. That’s why we can’t overlook one of the most emblematic figures in the history of colonial conquest: India Catalina. Her figure has sparked great admiration, and even division, regarding her role in colonial history, making her a cultural icon not only in Cartagena de Indias but in all of Colombia. Among the Monuments of Cartagena de Indias, India Catalina stands out as a symbol of resistance and female identity in the region.
She earned titles that still endure through her iconic monument, such as “the peacemaker,” “India lengua” (the interpreter), or “the translator.” But what did she do to be regarded this way?
India Catalina, belonging to the indigenous Mokaná ethnic group, was kidnapped by Diego Nicuesta at just 14 years old, but this event would prove key later on. India Catalina was educated as a Spaniard, learning their customs, religion, and the Spanish language, eventually mastering it. In 1527, she returned to her homeland, and in 1532, Pedro de Heredia chose her as an interpreter, as she was familiar with both the indigenous and Spanish cultures and languages. Thanks to India Catalina, the conquest of Cartagena was a breeze. In 1533, in just one year, Pedro de Heredia founded Cartagena de Indias (earning her the title of “the peacemaker”).
Some people labeled her a traitor, but let me share part of her story that might lead you to draw your own conclusions.
In Heredia’s settlement, India Catalina accused him of corruption for two reasons: first, because Heredia wanted to enslave, sell, and mistreat the indigenous people, even though the Spanish queen had forbidden this; and second, because he wasn’t paying the royal quintile, which was like a tax owed to the Spanish crown for the treasures found.
And now… What do you think?
For the people of Cartagena, India Catalina represents cultural fusion, mestizaje, indigenous resistance, and pacifism. Her legacy endures today as a symbol of national culture and art, reflected in the statuette awarded at the Cartagena International Film Festival, known as the “India Catalina Awards.”
Location of the India Catalina monument
The current location of the India Catalina monument is not the original one; it now stands 12 meters away, in the India Park, near San Felipe Castle. This relocation was made in 2011 to accommodate the new route for the Transcaribe buses. This bronze monument was created by sculptor Eladio Gil.
Is your tissue already dirty? Well, here’s another one—let me introduce you to the Old Boots!
The Old Boots
“A Poem to My Cartagena”
The photo inside them or posing beside them is a must for your post if you’re in Cartagena de Indias!
Luis Carlos, nicknamed “the one-eyed,” referenced the old shoes in his poem as a symbol of love for the city of Cartagena de Indias. This colorful sculpture, brought to life by the poet through Tito Lombana, captures the attention of both locals and tourists. The shoes symbolize the adventures that our footwear takes us on as we explore this beautiful city, rich in history, culture, and the folklore unique to our coast. At the same time, the daily journeys of local Cartageneros give us a deeper sense of belonging.
Location
The monument was originally located on Calle Media Luna, but it has been relocated to the base of San Felipe Castle. The current ones are bronze replicas, as the originals were made of cement and could not be moved.
Simón Bolívar
“El Libertador”
Here in Plaza Bolívar, we find the Simón Bolívar monument, right in front of the Inquisition Plaza.
This historic statue of the Liberator, inaugurated in 1895, is made of bronze, and its pedestal, crafted from Finnish granite, was modeled in Munich by Venezuelan sculptor José Eloy Palacios, better known as Eloy Palacios.
The Liberator—this is how one of the most important figures, not only in our wonderful country of Colombia but in much of the American continent, is known. Without a doubt, you cannot overlook his monument in the city of Cartagena de Indias, the home of many tourists. Today, you will discover the story behind the Simón Bolívar monument in our Cartagena de Indias, “La Heroica”!
It has become a Latin American symbol of resistance, an unwavering fight for justice, equality, tolerance, and happiness. Even to this day, Bolívar is honored on a special date, November 11th, which marks Cartagena’s Independence Day.
“…I will not give rest to my arm, nor repose to my soul, until I have broken the chains that oppress us by the will of Spanish power.”
These are the words recorded in his “Monte Sacro Oath.”
Words he made a reality, inspired by his mentor Simón Rodríguez and the ideals of the Enlightenment. Simón Bolívar, of Venezuelan origin, was born on July 24, 1783, and became a key leader in the independence of Spanish dominance in America (liberating countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia).
Cartagena de Indias declared its absolute independence from Spain on November 11, 1811. However, the Spanish were not pleased to lose one of their most valuable treasures and attacked, causing great pain to the people of Cartagena. It wasn’t until 1819 that definitive independence was achieved after the Battle of Boyacá, one of the boldest in history, where Simón Bolívar and his army triumphed.
DID YOU KNOW?
This part of history, this painful chapter, earned Cartagena de Indias the name “La Heroica” for withstanding so many attacks.
Juan Pablo II
“His example of faith stayed in Cartagena”.
Another one of the best monuments in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, is that of Pope John Paul II. This monument commemorates his visit to the city on June 6, 1986, during which he restored strength and faith to the people of Cartagena through his kindness, peace, and warmth.
Today, this monument continues to represent and remind us of the same values: to maintain faith, hope, and the great qualities that characterized his visit.
Location
This monument adorns the back of the oldest cathedral in the city of Cartagena, the Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría, located at the corner of Calle del Arzobispado. It was created by the Boyacense artist Julio Alberto Páez.
Saint Peter Claver and Black Slave Monument
“Apostle of the blacks and defender of human rights.”
With a monument, Cartagena de Indias has represented the dedication to the service of slaves and the defense of human rights.
On March 19, 1616, Saint Peter Claver arrived in Cartagena. This missionary devoted himself entirely to the service of slaves.
During the colonial period, Africans brought as slaves were treated like animals. Claver was a refreshing cup of water for them, as this missionary would board the ships with food to care for the sick, healing their wounds and evangelizing. Through this limitless compassion for the helpless, he affirmed the fair treatment that they deserved, just like the whites.
Fun Fact!
The defense of human rights is based on the Christian ethics professed by Saint Peter Claver.
In the monument, Saint Peter Claver is depicted alongside a Black slave, honoring the slave of slaves. His presence reminds us of the humility, love, and impartiality that should always be perpetuated in the lives of the people of Cartagena.
Location
In front of the church that bears his name, Plaza de San Pedro Claver, sculpted by Enrique Grau.
Another iconic emblem in the history of Cartagena that you cannot miss while touring is our Castle of San Felipe de Barajas!
Come and enjoy recalling and walking step by step through the castle with me while discovering the reason behind its name!
Let’s dust off one of the most powerful Spanish fortifications in South America!
The San Felipe de Barajas Castle
“An impregnable fortress”
It all started with the founding of Heredia. Cartagena had very few inhabitants who could protect it from frequent invasions by corsairs and pirates. Therefore, engineer Bautista Antonelli was commissioned to plan the walls that today surround my city—your city—Cartagena de Indias.
Colonel Antonio de Arévalos, an engineer, was commissioned to construct an underwater wall at Boca Grande, and forts and batteries were installed at Boca Chica. However, it was necessary to protect the mainland side, and so the construction of a small castle on the hill of San Lázaro began, permitted by King Felipe IV in 1647.
The governor, Pedro Zapata, who obtained this permission, named this construction Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas in honor of King Felipe IV and his ancestors, who were nobles from Barajas.
Now you know the origin of its name! But let’s learn a bit about its history.
Initially, the castle was shaped like a hat of that time called a Bonete. However, in 1697, the city was taken by the French. In 1701, the new king of Spain from the Bourbon family was a key player in forming an alliance, sidelining the English merchants, which led them to attack.
This invasion, commanded by Admiral Edward Vernon, is considered the largest fleet in the history of the Americas. But this same battle was decisive for the victory of the people of Cartagena in 1741, who defended the castle for 16 days under the command of Viceroy Sebastián de Eslava, an experienced military leader, and Blas de Lezo, a lieutenant general of the navy with experience in numerous battles, along with the people of Cartagena, both Black and mixed-race.
After this attack, engineer Antonio de Arévalos commissioned the construction of the castle, giving it the appearance you are now familiar with. The castle was built by many prisoners sentenced to forced labor, and a false approach was created to lead invaders into artillery fire from which their soldiers would shoot, making it resonate even to this day as an “impregnable fortress.”
Now that you know the history of the Monument Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, one of the most emblematic monuments of Cartagena de Indias, you can take your best photos!
Blas de Lezo
“The half man who defeated England”
Now that you have finished touring this castle and taking your best pictures, I invite you to meet the admired “pirate without a leg” or “half man”, yes! Blas de Lezo, lieutenant general of the navy and legendary hero of the Spanish navy. During the numerous naval battles in which he participated, he lost an eye, a leg and had a disabled arm. This imposing character has one of the Monuments of Cartagena de Indias, highlighting his bravery in the defense of the city.
Cartagena will never forget that Blas de Lezo defended with great bravery and resistance the city and its emblematic castle against the attack of the English, even though he was a “Half Man”.
This sculpture is made of patinated bronze with a height of 2.20 meters.
Location
How not to place it in front of the walls that he defended with great bravery? In front of these he destroyed 23,600 British men. Made by the sculptor Laiz Campo in 1956.
Los Pegasos
“The indomitable spirit of Cartagena”
Now that the sunset is approaching, we will visit the Muelle de los Pegasos. It is unknown why it is named that way; however, it is undeniable that it references the powerful horses from Greek mythology that crossed from the Greek sea to the Caribbean seas of Cartagena. It creates an exquisite image that captivates our gaze, as it is located in front of the Bay of Souls in Cartagena, blending with the orange sky.
The current Pegasos are not the originals; due to the deterioration of the first sculptures, it was necessary to replace them. The previous sculptures were made by Miguel Caballero Leclerc, a local from Cartagena. Originally, the Pegasos consisted of two horses, while today there are three Pegasos created by Héctor Lombana.
Fun fact!
Did you know that the third young Pegaso added by the sculptor Héctor Lombana was dedicated to his newborn son, Perseo Lombana? By the way, he engraved his son’s name on one of the thighs of the little horse.
La Gorda Gertrudis
Although Botero’s works are known for their “fat” figures, as in the case of the monument to Gorda Gertrudis, Botero explains that he does not paint fat people but rather voluptuousness or full forms. He makes a comparison, stating that if he painted one of his works in a very limited or narrow way, there would be no voluptuousness that color should have. That’s why he doesn’t just paint fat people; all his works are voluminous—animals, vases, fruits—giving him a breadth to apply colors. In an interview, he said, “I am interested in pleasing the areas where color is placed… it is a way to give voluptuousness and sensuality.”
In Cartagena de Indias, there is one of the iconic works of Fernando Botero Angulo, born in Medellín, Colombia, known as Gorda Gertrudis. This monument has generated a popular belief that says if you touch her breasts or buttocks, you will have success in your marriage or lasting relationships; if you touch her feet, you will return to Cartagena soon. Gorda Gertrudis is one of the most visited monuments in Cartagena de Indias by those seeking fortune and wishing to return to this beautiful city.
What are you waiting for to take your photo with the voluptuous body of Gorda Gertrudis and load up on that luck?
This monument is located in Plaza Santo Domingo; this sculpture weighs 650 kilos and was a gift from Botero to our wonderful city of Cartagena de Indias in the year 2000, brought from Italy.
Santo Domingo church and convent
Nearby, we can find the Church of Santo Domingo, which also features a convent that we cannot overlook. It is the first church built in the city of Cartagena de Indias, completed in 1599, just one year after Cartagena was founded, thanks to the efforts of the bishop of the diocese, Fray Jerónimo de Loayza.
It stands out with its colonial relic facade, evoking the typical streets of old Madrid, and is surrounded by a legend that states that when the construction was nearing completion, the devil appeared and, shaking himself on a column, attempted to destroy it. However, to his misfortune, it only twisted slightly. Wounded in pride, he plunged into the well from which women collected water for their domestic tasks, leading to the closure of that well. This story adds a mystical touch to the monuments of Cartagena de Indias and their legends.
St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral
One of the monuments in Cartagena de Indias that you must not overlook is the Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría. It is considered a monument due to its unique history and architecture, being one of the oldest cathedrals in Latin America.
Its construction began in 1577 as a replacement for the previous humble cathedral made of straw and reeds, and it was completed in 1612.
It was designed by the Spanish master, Simón González, based on the models of the basilicas in the Canary Islands.
Located in the Plaza de Proclamación at the eastern corner of Bolívar Park, near the Church of Santo Domingo.
We have now completed our tour of the monuments of Cartagena de Indias. But… remember!
“Cartagena has many wonders waiting for your presence; enjoy, live, and savor our culture, our places full of history, the art we reflect, and our Colombian flavor!”
