The best walks and hikes in Bolívar

The correct name is Biblioteca Bartolomé Calvo (named after the Colombian president Bartolomé Calvo Díaz). The building was constructed in 1907 in the neoclassical or republican style and originally served as the headquarters of a bank. The facade is characterized by a central arch, large Tuscan columns, and a decorated pediment relief. Inside, there are impressive stained glass windows („Las Musas”) by the Argentine architect Oscar Di Chiara. The library is operated by the Central Bank of Colombia (Banco de la República).

The Iglesia de Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo is a significant Catholic church in the historic San Diego district. It is named after Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo, a former archbishop of Lima. The church is primarily known for its magnificent interior: It houses the only surviving Baroque high altar in all of Cartagena, which is adorned with gold leaf. The ceiling of the church is designed with intricate wooden carvings in the Mudéjar style (Moorish influence). It was built between 1666 and 1732 and is considered one of the last churches built in Cartagena during the Spanish colonial period.

The Plaza de Bolívar is a green oasis in the heart of the historic center of Cartagena de Indias. It is considered one of the most important and symbolic places in the city, offering a cool retreat from the Caribbean heat through its many tall trees and fountains. In the center of the park stands an equestrian statue of Simón Bolívar, the "Liberator" of South America. The bronze statue was inaugurated in 1896.

Construction began in 1577 and lasted until 1612. It replaced a simple church made of wood and reeds. In 1586, still during the construction phase, the English privateer Sir Francis Drake attacked the city. He bombarded the cathedral with cannons, causing severe damage to the load-bearing pillars, which significantly delayed construction. The building is constructed in the Spanish Renaissance style (Herrera style). Its striking tower and dome were only added in the early 20th century by the French architect Gaston Lelarge.

The statue "La Gorda Gertrudis" (also known as Reclining Figure 92) is a famous bronze work by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Fernando Botero (1932-2023) is world-renowned for his style called "Boterismo", characterized by exaggerated, voluminous forms. Botero donated the sculpture, weighing around 650 kg (1443 lbs), to the city of Cartagena in the year 2000.

Construction began around 1614 under Governor Diego de Acuña. Together with the Santo Domingo and La Cruz bastions, it formed the so-called "defense trident", protecting the most vulnerable part of the city from pirate attacks from the sea. It is one of the few bastions with two cannon platforms (one visible and one upper). It also houses the largest and most slender watchtower (Garitón) in the entire wall.

The city walls of Cartagena de Indias (Las Murallas) are one of the best-preserved Spanish fortifications in South America. They surround the historic center of Cartagena and have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984. The walls were built over a period of almost 200 years (approx. 1586 to 1796). Construction was commissioned by the Spanish Crown in response to constant attacks by pirates and enemy fleets - such as the raid by Sir Francis Drake in 1586. Protection of the strategically important port, where gold and other treasures were stored for transport to Spain. The entire belt is about 11 kilometers long.

The Iglesia de San Pedro Claver (also Santuario de San Pedro Claver) is one of the most historically significant churches in Cartagena. It is located on the square of the same name in the historic city center, was built between 1580 and 1654 by Jesuits, and is considered an outstanding example of Spanish colonial architecture. The church is named after the Spanish Jesuit Peter Claver (San Pedro Claver), who lived in Cartagena in the 17th century. He dedicated his life to the care and evangelization of slaves arriving from Africa, baptizing an estimated 300,000 people. Beneath the church's main altar lie the mortal remains of the Saint.