Some views of Cartagena de Indias This is “El cerro de la popa”, an old catholic convent located on the top of the highest mountain around the city.

This is “El muelle de los Pagasos”, a rustic pier for small and midsize ships, located very close to the downtown.

This is “La Torre del Reloj”, the Watchtower. It is a symbol of the city and for hundreds of years the main entrance to the city. Cartagena de Indias was surrounded by a heavy fortifications to save it from being plundered by pirates. The wall was constructed during 208 years.

This picture is not very clear because was taken from the inside of the one of the five star hotels, from the touristic zone called Bocagrande

“Gertrudiz” from Botero, in the Plaza de Santodomingo

The wall, was surrounding the old city to defend it from pirate attacks. Cartagena de Indias was for centuries the main Spanish port in South America. Through its piers were embarqued tons of gold, silver, and emeralds to maintain the decadent Spanish empire.

Most of the people from Cartagena de Indias has a strong African heritage, not only because their complexion but their culture, expressed through the music, the kitchen, the dance, and their optimistic form to live and face the difficulties.

This is “El Castillo de San Felipe”, a military fort, located very close to the old city. It was constructed using marine rocks and with unbelievable features, like the secret tunnels to get the sea. On the first plane are the Old Boots, a beautiful sculpture, another symbol of the city.

The arquitecture of the old city is a classic Spaniard, plenty of balconies covering the sidewalks. The streets have curves to take advantage of the fresh ocean wind and to protect the streetwalkers from the tropical sun.

La India Catalina, is another symbol of the city. Catalina was an Indian leader, she spoke fluently five different languages, including Spanish. She was very helpfull to the conquers to the coloniage of the Atlantic coasts of South America

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