23 December Old City

David, Manuela, Ian in clock tower square

It would take us twenty minutes to walk from Club Nautico to the clock tower gate, the entrance to the 17^th century walled city. Inside the walled city, probably the best preserved colonial city in all the Caribbean, the streets follow a grid system. Without a pre determined destination we allowed ourselves to stroll, to turn as the mood took us to discover the plazas in front of the cathedral and the many churches. Walking past the entry gates to fancy hotels and glimpsing the elegant courtyards within.

One church has been transformed in to an art gallery.

art gallery

Fancy door knobs are more than a decoration. They indicate the status of the family within. A lion's head was the highest standard, a person of wealth and standing in the city. A salamander showed the family had links to royalty and mermaids and marine animals a man who was a naval officer.

Colours are vibrant reflecting the Caribbean and South American influences.

Cuban bar

Cuba has influences here too. A bar called Cuba 1840 has a unique feature of a swimming pool with the musicians stage hanging over the water. We returned one evening for a tasty Cuban meal and to listen to a singer and her three musicians. It was all excellent and quite different.

Wandering back through the streets after dinner we could stop for an ice cream at one of the many artisan gelaterias or a small pastry and coffee from a late night bakery.

mermaid door knocker

salamander door knocker

Cartagenian families and visitors love to promenade in the evening and it all feels friendly and safe. A police officer, or tourist policeman on almost every corner ensures this. Throughout the old and the new city we noticed a large police presence, the bobby on the beat walking or on a bicycle keeping an eye on things.

We're loving our second visit more than our first.

colourful houses