We arrive in the port of Cartagena, Columbia, the second largest city in the Caribbean region, early in the morning and wander into the port, finding a fabulous small zoo at the entrance to the port.
Arriving in Cartagena, docking
Zoo in the port
Leaving the port, we head up to the highest point in Cartagena, Convento de la Popa, a 17th century convent with spectacular views of the city. Also located here, the Bateria San Juan is one of the defensive works erected on the hill during the second war with England.
Views of Cartagena
Inside the monestary
Descending from the monestary, we pass a great shoe sculpture on our way to view the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress built in 1536 to dominate approaches to the city by land and sea. The fortress was involved in several battles between European powers from the late 17th to the early 19th centuries.
Sculpture below the fortress
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Outside the fortress, a statue of Blas de Lezo, hero of the defense of Cartagena in 1741 (defending against the British) stands guard.
Blas de Lezo
Across the street, remnants of the old city wall stand, continuing much of the way around the Old City.
City wall
We continue our stroll toward the artistic Getsami district.
Thank you for sharing the pictures of my city! Is a great feeling that others enjoyed visiting the beauty of Cartagena and its people!
ReplyDeleteSome fun facts:
Blas de Lezo was a Spanish admiral in the 18th century who achieved remarkable naval victories despite suffering from the loss of one leg, one arm, and one eye. He led his troops to victory in battles, including the Battle of Cartagena de Indias, where he defeated a much larger British fleet!
If you asked anyone from Cartagena what are the walls made of, they will answer "blood and bone" since it symbolizes all the efforts in building them and all the people that die during this!
The port in Cartagena is great! I used to work there and it was selected as one of the best places to work in Latina America! Probably having the zoo there is also a good plus!
Finally, next time you visit please try the empanadas and arepas! they are delicious!