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Colonial Cartagena

Begin your tour with a panoramic view of the military fort of San Felipe de Barajas. Situated outside the walled city, this monumental fort is considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the New World. Continue to the El Cabrero neighborhood for a visit to the Rafael Nunez House and Museum. Rafael Nunez is one of the most illustrious cartageneros of all times. He became president of Colombia four times and created the constitution of 1886. The house where he lived and died is built in the spectacular Antilles architectural style and is now a museum. During your guided walk you'll admire some of the best-preserved Colonial Spanish architecture in South America with its imposing merchant's houses, narrow streets, flower-bedecked balconies stunning civic buildings and beautiful churches. Next, visit the Dungeons within the walled city ramparts, which were built to store provisions for the troops and are now home to a high quality handicrafts market selling brightly decorated cloth, woodwork and woven bags made by some of the indigenous peoples of Colombia. Your tour continues to the Palace of Inquisition. The aim of the Inquisition was to judge crimes against the Catholic faith, but it never recognized anyone's innocence. This building whose construction was finished in 1776 is an example of civilian architecture of the 18th century. Walk to the Plaza Bolivar where you'll visit the Gold Museum which houses a complete and beautiful archeological display of the pre-Colombian cultures and the fabled El Dorado. You'll have some spare time for shopping in the old city for the famous Colombian emeralds or an opportunity to take more pictures of this lovely city. Note: The Gold Museum is closed on Mondays when it will be substituted by a visit to Galeria Cano next door, which has replicas of the Gold Museum. The visit to San Felipe Fortress is only Panoramic; there is approximately 20 minutes stay in Las Bovedas and approximately 30 minutes at the emerald shops.
Average:
3 out of 5
3
 out of 
5
(2 Reviews) 2
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot (2 reviews)
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1 of 2(50%)customers would recommend this to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Colonial Cartagena
Review 1 for Colonial Cartagena
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
luciole
Date:March 7, 2013
A good way to see the old city
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We went to Cartagena in february 2013, the weather was good, so was our guide: Villa. He knows his city and it's history and gave us the opportunity to learn a lot in a friendly way. We even had the chance to listen to their national anthem from his nice voice.
The place was quite crowded, but he helped us to feel safe and welcome.
The walk in the old city wall was very interesting.
you should go!
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review 2 for Colonial Cartagena
Overall: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Worthyornot
Location:Los Angeles
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:September
Date:October 14, 2012
NO NO NO
We took our trip September/October 2012. THREE cruise ships docked at same time and it was a mess! We ended up switching busses at our first stop which was unexpected and the sound system was out on that bus so our guide had to shout. There were so many street vendors pressuring us to buy their wares we could not enjoy the fort. All other stops were so crowded you could not tell one tour from another. The only saving grace was the jewelry store at the end of the tour but by the time we arrived, there was no time to shop. We ended up ditching the tour at the jewelry store and they got us a cab back to the ship. All this in incredible heat without any water offered. Should you have any issues with heat this tour is not for you. Just do the recommend shops that the ship gives you.
12 of 14 people found this review helpful.