- Stroll through the wonderful old town of Cartagena
- Explore the largest fort in all Spanish colonies and other sights
This morning we are walking a short distance to the hill where the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas rises above the city. Cartagena was founded in 1533 as one of the first cities in northern South America. Due to its strategically important location, the city experienced rapid growth as an important port for goods such as Gold, silver, pearls and precious stones to ship them to the colonial powers and in return to bring weapons, armor, tools, textiles and horses to the New World. But this wealth was also attractive Pirates who attacked and looted the city, for example 1585 Sir Francis Drake or in 1697 the French Baron de Pointis.
In order to keep pirate attacks away from the city, the Spaniards began - with the help of African slaves - with the construction of a curtain wall, as well as the mighty fort in a strategic position overlooking the city and bay. A good 100 years later, the complex was significantly expanded and used to largest fortress of the Spaniards in all their colonies. We explore the low and poorly lit catacomb passages and take a look across at them Bocagrande skyscrapers and down to the pretty old town. What a contrast!
After cooling off in the shopping center next door - yes, at almost 40 degrees and with enormous humidity, that's really good - we continue to the core area of the old town. We explore the numerous, wonderfully preserved colonial streets with their colorful facades in all possible colors. Until we die Las Bovedas to reach. Once built as a dungeon, the building is now occupied by numerous souvenir shops. Again and again you come across a black one Fruit sellerwhich poses for the photo after a purchase. All very touristy, but the city still has it not lost their charm.
Then we go looking for a tour to the Islas del Rosario for tomorrow. After this has been booked and negotiated, you need to get some money and exchange the required amount in USD, which we can do in a nearby location Exchange office can do.
For dinner we march to the living one Plaza Trinidadwhere all kinds of street stalls can be found. For me there is a deluxe burger of the very best and for Niki an arepa filled with chicken. Then we rush into the alleys of the old town again, where all sorts of things are still going on.
