Cartagena de Indias consolidates itself year after year as one of the most visited destinations, not only from Colombia but from Latin America. Its colonial charm, its beaches with warm waters and its diverse cultural offering attract millions of national and international tourists, but beyond its usual routes and attractions, few visitors discover the artistic treasure it houses inside.
Between halls that preserve centuries of historythe Historical Museum of Cartagena de Indias hide works and objects that surprise even the localsrevealing a lesser-known, but deeply revealing, side of Cartagena’s identity and the country’s past.
In a country where cultural heritage is an object of admiration and increasing visibility, this museum becomes a silent bastion of memory where you can find relics of the inquisition, traces of slavery, historical documents and everyday objects that speak of anonymous lives, delving into the less celebrated corners of local history.
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Cartagena de Indias
Source: Canva
It operates within the historic Palace of the Inquisition, in the Plaza de Bolívar of the walled city. The building, which in itself is an outstanding piece of colonial architecture, houses collections, documents, thematic rooms and tours that range from pre-Columbian times to contemporary human rights processes.
The permanent exhibitions tell from pre-Hispanic origins to Independence; but they also house rooms dedicated to the Inquisition, human rights and coexistenceoffering an inclusive and often uncomfortable narrative that avoids idealizations.
In addition to objects and pieces from the pre-Hispanic period, material testimonies of the slave trade and objects from the Inquisition, it has a documentary archive (from the 19th century onwards), auxiliary libraries and collections of specialized publications, which makes it a valuable resource for researchers and for those seeking to understand history beyond the visual.
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Why visit Cartagena de Indias?
There are several reasons why everyone should know this magnificent place in Colombia, however, there are 5 points that make it irresistible for any tourist:
Charming historic center: Its cobbled streets, colonial squares and colorful facades turn the old town into an authentic open-air museum. As indicated by the Mayor’s Office of this placeeach corner preserves history and colonial architecture, with ornate balconies and details that reflect centuries of tradition. Its declaration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO highlights its cultural and tourist value.
Caribbean beaches and coasts: A few kilometers from the city there are paradisiacal beaches and archipelagos such as the Rosario and Barú Islands.. They are ideal places to swim, snorkel or dive, enjoy water sports or simply relax under the sun surrounded by dreamlike landscapes, with crystal-clear waters and white sands.
Culture and gastronomy: This site combines a rich Afro-Colombian heritage with colonial influences, visible in its music, festivals, dances and traditional celebrations.Local cuisine is another attraction, with typical dishes such as ceviche, coconut rice and egg arepas, which allow visitors to experience Caribbean culture through flavor.
Nightlife and entertainment: Cartagena combines history and fun in a vibrant environment. From bars with live music and charming cafes to fine dining restaurants and modern nightclubs, the city offers options for all tastes, making the nights as memorable as the days full of culture and beach.
