Cartagena Colombia

 This port stop may have been my favorite based on the 280+ photos I looked at to chose some for this blog post. The 280+ photos did not include the ones OFD took on our excursion to Downtown, one of the most historic districts of the city.

Castle of San Fernando de Bocachica

The Spanish built this military fortress in the 17th century on the Isla Tierra Bomba at the entrance to Cartagena.

9000 people live on the island

Cartagena skyscrapers in the background

A launch is the only way to get to the island. Our ship passed a number of launches near the island. Each launch had a rider on the prow of the boat. Some of the launches were clustered off shore maybe fishing???

Cartagena was established by numerous indigenous and Europeans as a trading center. 

As evident by the number of containers and piers, it is still an important trading port.

Cartagena skyline as we pulled into port

Numerous excursions were offered but we chose the Hop On-Hop Off Tour for geocaching and shopping. It allowed us to move about at our own pace and do what we wanted to do in the historic part of the city.

We entered the Downtown (walled city) at the Puerta del Reloj (Clock Gate). This was the entrance for foot traffic.

The historic center is surrounded by 11 kilometers of defensive walls. These were complemented by fortifications along the coast, making Cartagena a militarily impregnable city. The walls, made in several stages, were designed to protect the city from continual pirate attacks, was built between 1614 and 1796.

We headed to this statue at the south corner of the Catedral Santa Catalina de Alejandria or Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The Cartagena de Indias Cathedral was built between 1577 and 1612, replacing a modest church made of wood and reeds. The original structure of the cathedral has been preserved today almost unchanged, as evidenced in the unpainted, original fossil limestone walls. We completed the work for the Earthcache and then moved inside the cathedral.

Carrara marble pulpit on the right of the nave

light fixtures

massive wooden doors and marble floors

another massive door and ornate door frame

one of two statues on the street side from inside the cathedral

the other family photographer

and yet another massive wooden door

Until we turned the corner and headed to Plaza De Bolivar (Balboa Square or park) did we realize the elegant entrance to the cathedral was on the north side of the city block.  In 1908, the tower and dome of the cathedral were refurbished.

The original reed and thatched roof structure burned in 1552 when a fire destroyed much of the city. A second sturdier wood and thatched roof structure was built to replace the original. In 1575 work began on the current structure and in ten years the walls were completed. The towers were not yet added when in 1586 Francis Drake (El Draque-a pirate by Spanish standards, but knighted by English nobility) appeared in Cartagena with 23 ships and 3000 men. When the residents of Cartagena refused to pay the required ransom, Drake shot cannon balls into the city causing damage to the cathedral and other structures. Finally, the Cartagenians paid 110,000 silver ducats and Drake agreed not to continue the destruction of the city, after having it in its possession for 6 weeks.

Rebuilding the damage was a long affair due to lack of funds. According to what I was able to find, the cathedral was not completed in 1591 and I could not find a completion date.

The tower's colors and ornateness was just so stunning, it required many photos.

It was a short walk to Plaza De Bolivar where many local artisans bombarded us with their handcrafted wares. Head down. Keep walking. Say no thank you and shake your head no.

location of the second geocache

What Hubby won't do to find a geocache! This was a very busy corner and the smell of urine was intense! He did sanitize his hands after the find.

carts selling fresh fruits were very common the the streets

another fruit cart

Then it was off to the Hard Rock so OFD could add to her Hard Rock collection, we could use a restroom and grab a bite to eat.

We ordered the nachos, two sodas and one adult beverage. Our bill was $25. This was the portion we left after the three of us enjoyed the plate of nachos.

Then it was time for some serious shopping. I took this photo because this vendor was re-wrapping his hair as he answered her questions regarding his hand-made jewelry.

We chose to buy from vendors like this gentleman who were creating their craft waiting for tourists to make a purchase. We learned that some of the vendors work for a boss and have to turn over their sales money to the boss. The vendors who displayed their crafts on the sidewalks, not hounding anyone, worked only for themselves.

We also learned on this trip that many of these port cities were very happy to have tourists return after two years. Many locals depend solely on selling their handmade crafts to tourists and after two years of very little income, they are happy to be able to once again support their families.

Some of the women wore colorful dresses and carried wares on their heads. Of course taking their photo required a tip. The dollar I gave probably brought food for her family for that day.

We found some gifts in this shop.

colorful Colonial buildings line the narrow streets

narrow crowded streets

the towers of The Church of San Pedro Claver built between 1580 and 1654

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (San Felipe de Barajas Castle)

The castle was built in 1536 and is located on the Hill of San Lázaro in a strategic location, dominating approaches to the city by land or sea. It was originally known as the Castillo de San Lázaro. It was built by African slave labor under Spanish supervision during the colonial era. In 1984, UNESCO listed the castle, along with the historic centre of the city of Cartagena, as a World Heritage Site.

Our time was limited so we did not visit the Castle or The Church of San Pedro. Maybe on our next trip...

There will be one more post for Cartagena. 

This was the view from our dinner table on the cruise ship that evening. Good-bye Cartagena until we meet again...