The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Bolívar

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.

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 Museo Naval del Caribe (Naval Museum of the Caribbean) is located in a former Jesuit college and hospital from the colonial era. The museum is considered one of the best history museums in the city and offers insights into the region's over 500-year maritime tradition. The simulators of a submarine and a ship's bridge, as well as a walk-on mast, are particularly popular. There are over 400 objects to see, including ship models (e.g., the sailing training ship ARC Gloria), antique navigation instruments, uniforms, and even treasures from a Spanish ship that sank in 1708.

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.

This bronze sculpture by the artist Enrique Grau is located on the Plaza de San Pedro Claver, directly in front of the church and monastery of the same name. The monument honors San Pedro Claver (1580-1654), a Spanish Jesuit priest and missionary who became known as the "slave of the slaves." He dedicated four decades of his life to helping enslaved people brought from Africa to the port of Cartagena. He provided them with food, medicine, and clothing, and according to tradition, baptized more than 300,000 people. The sculpture depicts San Pedro Claver in conversation with an enslaved man. This symbolizes his commitment to human dignity and his service to the oppressed.

The Plaza de la Aduana! (Customs Square), the largest and oldest square in the historic Old Town of Cartagena. In the middle of the vast square stands a striking marble statue of Christopher Columbus, which also gave the square the name "Plaza Colón" at times. Casa de la Aduana (City Hall): The striking yellow building with arcades used to be the city's customs house. Today it houses the City Hall of Cartagena.