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Reloj entrance. There is a main office in the Plaza de la Aduana. They offer good
fold-out tourist maps of the Old City for free. You can see all the sites in a day if
you're quick, but it's best to break them down into two days. The following sites
are all close to one another.
Torre del Reloj - This is the main entrance to the old city. The clock is considered
a symbol of Cartagena. The tower was finished in the 19th century. There is a
statue of the city's founder, Don Pedro de Heredia, in the front of the tower.
Plaza de Los Coches - This square, which is the first stop after entering the Torre
del Reloj, is the former slave market. There are surrounding buildings with
columns and arches. This area of columns is called the Portal de los Dulces and
there you can find chocolate, rock candy and other local favorites. Almost nightly
you can find traditional dances held by dance groups in the Plaza de Los Coches.
Plaza de la Aduana - Plaza de la Aduana is the oldest and largest square in
Cartagena. In the past, it hosted governmental buildings. There is a statue of
Christopher Columbus in the middle of the plaza.
Catedral de San Pedro Claver (035-664-4991, 6,000 COP, Mon. - Sun. 8:00 AM -
4:30 PM). The Iglesia de San Pedro Claver is located on the Plaza de San Pedro
Claver. The church was founded in 1603. San Pedro Claver was a Jesuit priest
who became the patron saint of Colombian slaves. For many years, he took care
of many sick and dying slaves.
Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena, Plaza San Pedro Claver (035-664-5815,
3,000 COP, Mon. - Fri. 9:00 AM - NOON / 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM / Sat. 10:00 AM -
1:00 PM). Contemporary Colombian art and sculptures. If you like art, it's well
worth the 3,000 COP.