Easy hikes and walks in Bolívar

It is considered the largest and most imposing Spanish fortress ever built on the American mainland. The complex was built in the 17th century (construction began in 1536, completion in 1657) on the Cerro de San Lázaro to protect the city from attacks by pirates and English and French troops. The fortress is known for its complex, labyrinthine system of underground tunnels and passages, which were used for troop movements and ambushes. Since 1984, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The La Candelaria Convent on the Cerro de la Popa hill in Cartagena is the city's highest point at approximately 148 meters and offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Caribbean coast, the modern skyline of Bocagrande, and the historic Old Town. The Augustinian monastery was founded in the early 17th century (approx. 1606-1607). Its name "La Popa" (the stern) derives from the shape of the hill, which appeared like the stern of a ship to mariners. Besides the views, the convent is known for its flower-adorned courtyard (cloister) and the chapel with a gold-adorned altar of the Virgin of Candelaria.

Las Bóvedas (the Vaults), a striking historical structure in the old town of Cartagena de Indias. The structure was built between 1792 and 1798 under the direction of the Spanish engineer Antonio de Arévalo. It was the last major construction project of the Spanish colonial era within the city walls of Cartagena. The 23 bomb-proof vaults and 47 arches initially served as an ammunition depot and barracks for the Spanish troops. During the Wars of Independence and the era of civil wars in the 19th century, they were used as notorious dungeons. Legends say that prisoners often had to stand knee-deep in seawater during high tide.

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.