Excursion Walking through cartagena 's history tour at Cartagena
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
This walking tour will combine three of the most representative constructions of the Hispanic colonization and will give an insight of what the city went through, how it was affected, conquered & influenced by this period. Although Cristopher Columbus did not set foot in the country which was named after him, his arrival in the Americas heralded the beginning of the Spanish colonization and this tour will be focused on the lasting impression it made on this spectacular city.
The tour will set off first to the Castillo San Felipe. This fort is the largest Spanish fortification in the Americas and dominates the old town. The first fortification on the site was started in 1536 and further extended over the following 200 years mostly by African slave labour. Underneath this amazing structure you will find a labyrinth of tunnels. The sun soaked fortification seeps tales of old for every traveller and the tunnels (some of which are lit and accessible to visitors) and ramparts are a living breathing history book.
After the fortress the tour will continue to the historic walled city centre, where a short walk will lead to San Pedro Claver Cloister, monastery and museum built in homage to the protector of slaves, San Pedro, and serves as reminder of the turbulent past of Cartagena and indeed the Americas. The Cloister where Pedro Claver lived and died has become a special place of silence, and reflection - a shrine to the life's work of this extraordinary man. Here, visitors will find examples of pre-Colombian ceramics, and an extensive museum rich with objects of religious art. Adjoining the Monastery is a beautiful baroque church, designed by German and Dutch architects. Here, at the high alter, within a glass encasement, lie the remains of Saint Pedro Claver, the slave to the slaves.
After a refreshment in the Plaza Bolivar we visit the Inquisition Palace: In September 1610 the Inquisition was established in Cartagena de Indias. Its jurisdiction covered the kingdom of Granada and Venezuela until reaching Nicaragua, Panama, Santa Domingo and the Barlovento Islands. The Inquisition adopted this building as their headquarters. The building itself is considered one of the most elegant and characteristic colonial constructions of its time, XVII century, in Cartagena de Indias. Throughout its interior visitors to the museum will find instruments of torture and prison cells. The inquisition used the location as its central command against criminals and never recognized the innocent.
Note
Please note: The majority of this tour (approximately 1.5Kms/5000feet) is made by foot. The streets of Cartagena are paved, although can be slightly uneven and cobblestone, curbs are very high and guests must be aware of their footing. There are 25 steps in total at the Inquisition palace, 10 steps at Enoteca restaurant and 5 steps at San Pedro Claver church. Dress comfortable walking shoes, sunhat, sunscreen and loose clothing are recommended.