Another walk around the walled city

From the convent, we drove back to the walled city where we were dropped off.  I know we did a walking tour in the same area yesterday, but this was different.  Artur was a more interesting guide, and he gave us time to go in all three churches, someone I intended to go back to do today anyway.

We began at the church of Santo Domingo.  Construction started in 1578.  It took 150 years to complete.  Outside the church today is a sculpture of a reclining woman by Botero.  Legend has it that if you touch her foot, you will return to Cartagena one day!

From there, we went to the Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría.  The Cartagena de Indias Cathedral was built between 1577 and 1612, replacing a modest church made of wood and reeds.  The original structure remains almost unchanged today.  The cathedral was designed by master builder Simón González, modelled after basilicas in Andalusia and the Canary Islands.  In 1908, the tower and dome of the cathedral were refurbished by French architect Gaston Lelarge.  However, the balconies, the main portal and cornices are original from the colonial era.  In 1586, while the church was still under construction, it was attacked by Francis Drake, which caused severe damage and delayed its completion.Read more