Colonial Cartagena

Begin your tour with a panoramic view of the military fort of San Felipe de Barajas. Situated outside the walled city, this monumental fort is considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the New World. Continue to the El Cabrero neighborhood for a visit to the Rafael Nunez House and Museum. Rafael Nunez was president of Colombia four times and created the constitution of 1886. The house where he lived and died is built in the spectacular Antilles architectural style.

Next, visit the dungeons within the walled city ramparts, which were built to store provisions for the troops and are now home to a high quality handicrafts market selling brightly decorated cloth, woodwork and woven bags made by some of the indigenous peoples of Colombia. Your tour continues to the Palace of Inquisition. The aim of the Inquisition was to judge crimes against the Catholic faith, but it never recognized anyone's innocence. This building whose construction was finished in 1776 is an example of civilian architecture of the 18th century.

Walk to the Plaza Bolivar where you'll visit the Gold Museum which houses a complete and beautiful archeological display of the pre-Colombian cultures and the fabled El Dorado. You'll have some spare time for shopping in the old city for the famous Colombian emeralds or an opportunity to take more pictures of this lovely city.