The Walled City: Stroll the Streets of Historic Cartagena

	The Walled City—sometimes referred to as "Old Town"—is Cartagena's historic district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The buildings here date back to Colombia's colonial days, as does the high-walled fortress that surrounds this part of the city.
The Walled City is less about "doing" as it is about just soaking in the atmosphere. Between the colonial buildings, historic landmarks, and the cobblestone streets, you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time.

Highlights from Cartagena's Walled City

You could spend days exploring the Walled City, but here are a few things you don't want to skip on your itinerary:

Puerta del Reloj: The clock tower guards the main entrance to the Walled City. It's one of the neighborhood's most iconic sights.

The City Walls: The city walls were built to protect the city from pirates and other invaders. Together with the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, they're a well-preserved example of Spanish military architecture.

Plaza de Bolivar: The plaza is surrounded by some of Cartagena's most beautiful buildings, including the Gold Museum, the Palace of the Inquisition, and the cathedral. All three are worth visiting in their own right.

Getsemani:This trendy neighborhood has experienced a renaissance in recent years. Once dangerous, it now attracts a younger, hipper crowd. You can think of it as the Colombian equivalent of Brooklyn.

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. In colonial days, the fortress was the city's main line of defense. You can read more about it here (link to relevant page).