Palace of the Inquisition

If you're wanting a complete Cartagena experience with no corners unturned, this private full-day tour is made so you can see the city in the most complete way possible. Taste local foods and visit sights such as San Felipe Castle and the city's main squares. Enjoy optional entry to La Popa Convent. Start the day by meeting your local guide, who will pick you directly up from your hotel or address. Then, head first to the historic San Felipe Castle, the city’s old fortress built by Spaniards (entry tickets included). Walk through the castle and let your guide bring back to life adventure stories of conquerors, treasures, and pirates. Learn more about how Colombia became so mixed due to African, Indigenous, and Spanish roots. Visit afterward the Walled City of Cartagena and stroll around the colonial and colorful houses as you get to know more about the main squares and bastions that traced the city’s path to independence. See Santo Domingo Square, the church, and the Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría. It wouldn’t be the perfect tour of Cartagena without tasting Colombia’s flavors, so you’ll get to try typical coconut sweets and, fried arepa with egg, a traditional snack famous on the Caribbean Coast. If choosing the longer tour option with entry tickets to the Convent of La Popa (Convent of the Stern), round off your tour by visiting the convent and a viewpoint located at the top of a hill where the city, its sea, and one of its islands can be seen and photographed. Cartagena is not only the touristic capital of Colombia but one of the most memorable cities that holds Colombia’s history, making it a place for culture, tradition, and diversity, with many historic places and unique corners to discover.

Gear up at the office as you meet fellow explorers. An expert guide will brief you on the exciting tour ahead. Ready with a mountain bike tailored to your comfort, a snug helmet, and a refreshing bottle of water, embark on an unforgettable tasting tour. Indulge your senses in the culinary delights that define Cartagena's essence. From the crispy goodness of a typical fried egg arepa to the savory notes of an empanada, and the cheesy crunch of patacón, every bite tells a story. Wash it down with a burst of freshness from a natural juice and savor the robust richness of local coffee. Our route winds through the enchanting neighborhoods of Getsemaní, San Diego, and Santo Domingo. As you pedal along, soak in the tales of the past, the vibrant hues of the streets, and the secrets tucked away in every corner. Experience the magic, unravel the myths, and delve into the legends that have shaped this walled city. Immerse yourself in the culture and warmth of the locals. Appreciate the quality of the people as you traverse small, colorful streets. Cartagena, often referred to as "La Fantástica," unfolds before you, inviting you to savor its wonders. Capture the beauty with stops for photos at every turn, for in Cartagena, every corner is an Instagrammable space. As the journey concludes, return to the starting point where a delightful finale awaits. Indulge your sweet tooth with a tasting of typical candies, a perfect ending to a day filled with exploration, culture, and the vibrant spirit of Cartagena.

Welcome to a journey through Cartagena's vibrant past, where history comes alive in three captivating museums. First, immerse yourself in the opulence of the Gold Museum, where shimmering artifacts tell the tales of pre-Columbian civilizations. Marvel at intricate golden sculptures and learn about the ancient techniques used to create these treasures, offering a glimpse into the wealth and craftsmanship of indigenous cultures. Next, brace yourself for a glimpse into the darker chapters of Cartagena's history at the Inquisition Museum. Step into the haunting chambers where justice was dispensed with ruthless efficiency during the Spanish Inquisition. Explore exhibits showcasing instruments of torture and learn about the harrowing trials that unfolded within these walls, shedding light on a period of religious persecution and fear. Finally, set sail on a voyage through centuries of maritime history at the Naval Museum. Discover the maritime prowess of Cartagena as you navigate through exhibits displaying naval artifacts, model ships, and navigational instruments. Hear tales of daring explorers and legendary naval battles that shaped the destiny of this historic port city. Join us on this unforgettable journey as we unravel the layers of Cartagena's rich cultural heritage, from golden treasures to dark secrets and maritime adventures. Experience the magic of these three museums, each offering a unique perspective on the fascinating tapestry of Cartagena's past.

Discover the secrets and curiosities of Cartagena on a guided walking tour. Visit the Zenú Gold Museum, Plaza de Bolívar, Plaza de Santo Domingo, and more. Admire the city from the Santo Domingo Bastion and the San Ignacio Bastion. Start your tour at the Zenú Gold Museum. Discover Cartagena's pre-Columbian past, with 300 years of Karib history. The Zenú people were an amphibious culture, living between land and water, and they developed impressive agricultural techniques. They were also skilled goldsmiths who created breathtakingly beautiful pieces. Next, head to Plaza de Bolívar. Visit landmarks like the Passage of the Queens, the Historical Museum of Cartagena (and the Inquisition), the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria, the monument to the Liberator, the City Hall, and the Proclamation Square. Continue to Plaza de Santo Domingo. The Santo Domingo Church holds a couple of quirky legends that will make you smile. This square also houses the former Dominican monastery, now the Spanish Cooperation Library, offering a wide range of cultural activities. Discover the story of "La Gorda Gertrudis," a famous sculpture by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Head to the Santo Domingo Bastion. Admire the city from the first bastion ever built, the foundation of Cartagena’s defense strategy. Learn about Drake and other pirates and corsairs. Experience the most historic sunsets from the Corralito de Piedra. Next, visit Plaza de Santa Teresa. Hear the legend of India Catalina and the origin of the Cartagena Film Festival. Stroll through Calle de la Ronda, and see the monument to Admiral Padilla, stories of betrayals, Reconquest, and the ultimate Independence. Continue to Plaza San Pedro Claver. From the San Ignacio Bastion, appreciate the beauty of Bahía de las Ánimas and the archipelago where "La Fantástica" stands. Visit the Sanctuary Museum of San Pedro Claver, with its monument to Claver, and learn about the touching life of the “Slave of the Slaves.” Also, visit the Jesuit Church and the Cartagena Museum of Modern Art. Head to Plaza de la Aduana. Commerce was the fine thread that connected two continents, making this square the heart of colonial Cartagena. See the monument to Christopher Columbus. Finally, visit Plaza de los Coches. Formerly the Plaza de la Hierba and known by many other names, today it is the undisputed center of Cartagena's hustle and bustle. Visit the Passage of the Sweets, the monument to Pedro de Heredia, the controversial founder of the city. Learn about the end of slavery and the birth of Republican Cartagena, along with the construction of the emblematic Clock Tower, an unmistakable symbol of the modern city.

Embark on a fascinating journey through time with our Cartagena Legends tour, a full-day experience that will immerse you in the rich history and heritage of this Caribbean colonial gem. We'll start with a visit to La Popa, where you can admire the breathtaking panoramic view and hear the tales of the convent at its peak. We’ll then continue to San Felipe Castle, a majestic military fortress that has safeguarded the city’s secrets for centuries. As you explore this stronghold, you’ll learn about the ingenious defense tactics that protected Cartagena from pirate invaders, revealing the skill of its builders. Afterward, we explore Getsemaní, a neighborhood brimming with art and tradition, where art and culture bloom on every corner. Its vibrant streets and lively murals tell the story of a community rich in traditions and creativity, giving you a true taste of Cartagena's essence, followed by a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the walled city, from Las Bóvedas with its crafts, to the Claustro de la Merced, the Palace of the Inquisition, the Gold Museum, and the Emerald Museum, showcasing pre-Colombian marvels and revealing the importance of this precious Colombian gem that shines as brightly as its legacy. Finally, the experience culminates on a charming rooftop, where you can relax and enjoy a refreshing drink made with exotic Colombian ingredients while soaking in the stunning view of the radiant city at sunset.

Visit the Greater Center of Cartagena: the neighborhoods of Santo Domingo and Getsemaní together in a single tour! We are Beyond Colombia, the largest group of Expert Local Free Tour guides in Colombia with 14 original tours created by ourselves and also the most awarded in the country! 7 international recognitions, 5 TripAdvisor Travelers Choice and Top 3 in Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín and Cali. We are authentic guides connecting Colombia since 2013, 11 years sharing passion in every step! Visiting the districts of Santo Domingo and Getsemaní will give you a broader idea of how our lives during colonial times were divided by social classes but connected to achieve local independence. We will experience Cartagena in a different way once we cross the Camellón de los Mártires square, the old bridge that allowed the two sides of society to come together and build their own identity. Revolts, independence, revolutions and uprisings are the basis of a resistant and fighting Colombian culture that you can see and feel. Travel in time, travel the historical path of freedom and be part of the essence of “La Fantástica”. What are the topics we will talk about? - Plaza de Santo Domingo and sculpture by Botero - African heritage, music and customs - Trinity Church and cultural square - The Palace of the Inquisition and its history of transformation - Sanctuary and monument of San Pedro Claver - Centenario Park and Sierpe Street - “Wide” and “narrow” alleys - Gentrification of “getsemanicenses” - And much more! Cross from north to south to the viewpoint of the San Felipe Fortress and understand the great power held by the people of Cartagena, the jewel of the ancient Spanish Crown. A different perspective of our historical and current social and economic contrasts! #GOBEYOND

Visit the imposing San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, a 16th-century military structure that played a key role in the defense of Cartagena against attacks by pirates and other enemies. The fortress is an impressive feat of engineering, with a complex network of tunnels and ramps that you can explore. Once we finish the Fortress visit, we will move on to the charming walled city of Cartagena. Our tour guide will share with you meaningful insights about the historical and cultural context for the city while visiting many landmarks, including the Cathedral of Cartagena, the Palace of the Inquisition, and the Plaza de los Coches. Understand their key role in protecting Cartagena and ensuring its survival as a major commercial and cultural center in the Caribbean plus take the chance to sample local food or a drink, and to interact with the friendly and welcoming local people!

Would you like to learn about the history and culture of Cartagena? We have the perfect tour for you! Our historical and cultural tour will take you to visit the most iconic monuments such as the San Felipe Castle where you will have a panoramic view of the city, you will learn about the history of this military fortress built in 1657 during the Spanish colonial era to defend the territory by land, the Palace of the Inquisition where you will learn about the colonial era and how it was in charge of persecuting and judging those accused of heresy and apostasy and finally you will visit the Gold Museum where you will learn about the different life systems in the savannahs and the Caribbean coast, and the past and present adaptability of its inhabitants, amphibious beings that change their existence in a natural cycle. Come and enjoy this ideal tour for history lovers and those who want to know the historical heritage of the city.

Discover the diverse allure and captivating history of Cartagena beyond its famous Walled City with our Grand City Tour. Led by an experienced guide, this extensive excursion unveils the city's most notable treasures, unveiling the charm of its streets, churches, architecture, and plazas. Embark on your journey with a hotel pickup, traversing through the dynamic districts of Bocagrande and Manga for a panoramic overview. As part of the tour, you can opt to explore Bazurto, a local market bursting with vivid hues, tantalizing flavors, and authentic Cartagenian culture, where you can delve into an array of fruits and immerse yourself in local life. Following lunch, delve deeper into Cartagena's historical heart, meandering through the enchanting lanes and bustling squares of the Old City and Getsemaní. Uncover the architectural marvels and captivating past of the city as you visit the iconic Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the largest Spanish military structure in the Americas, and Cerro de la Popa, home to a centuries-old monastery boasting breathtaking views of Cartagena. Amidst your exploration of the Old City, make a stop at Plaza de Bolívar and pay a visit to the historic San Pedro Claver Church, a 17th-century masterpiece showcasing religious art and artifacts that narrate Cartagena's rich cultural tapestry. Please bear in mind that the tour encompasses 4 hours of transportation to visit Isla de Manga, Castillo de San Felipe, and La Popa Covent. The tour concludes with a walking exploration of the historic center, with transportation back to the hotel not included. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking to uncover Cartagena's hidden gems, our Grand City Tour promises an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of this captivating city.

In our activity you will be able to explore and enjoy one of our monuments, the Palace of the Inquisition, which is another of the most emblematic monuments of Cartagena de Indias. The Palace of the Inquisition is a building that has a baroque and colonial style where you can see replicas of the instruments with which witches or wizards were tortured during the time of the Inquisition and all with a detailed explanation of what is exhibited. Today it is a museum in which the place is considered one of the typical houses of civil architecture of Cartagena de Indias in the 18th century. In addition, we not only offer you the entrance to the Palace of the Inquisition but also totally private transportation for the trip, so that you have a safe and reliable trip.