Walled City of Cartagena, Cartagena

Wander the historical streets of Walled City of Cartagena, an old district full of vibrant colonial architecture and heritage sites. Surrounded by 11 km (6.8 mi) of thick stone walls, the old city was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century. The vast fortifications, begun after an attack by Francis Drake, took two centuries in total to complete, as the city faced frequent damage from storms and pirate attacks. As well as the historical churches, mansions, plazas, and other buildings, the area boasts plentiful restaurants, cafes, and street vendors. Consider checking the cruise schedule before planning your visit: the old town clogs with tourists when several cruise ships unload on the same day. PutWalled City of Cartagena into our Cartagena trip planner and find out what's close by, where to stay, and where to head next.