I recently had the good fortune to visit Cartagena, Colombia. This old city founded in 1533 has both a strategic and storied past that may not be equalled in the Western Hemisphere. A city of contrasts between the old and new, it was the historic Walled City section that completely captivated me. It is now becoming one of the Caribbean/South America’s biggest tourist draws. More than nine miles of walls protect its outer perimeter. Inside you will find the bright, vibrant colors of the Caribbean coupled with a vibe not unlike Old Havana or the French Quarter of New Orleans, but it is bigger and so much to explore. Art, music, museums, boutique hotels, hidden palatial residences, narrow colonial streets and squares, shops, an array of different and tasty restaurants/bars are all there to explore. My wife and I only wish we had more time to spend in the Walled City.
The following is a gallery of photos. Some are enhanced for artistic effect. What you will notice are the amazing colors, but what you will miss is the friendly, hustling energy of the place.
(Photo by Robert S. Fagan)
