Cartagena City Walls
Cartagena's historic city center is surrounded by ancient defensive walls, which gave Cartagena its nickname "El Corralito de Piedra" (in English: "Little Stone Corral"). The defensive walls are one of Cartagena's most fantastic attractions.
History
The Spaniards started building the defensive walls in the 16th century to protect the city from pirates and other invaders. It took them almost two centuries to complete the works. Most parts that are visible today are from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Bulwarks
Between the walls are several bulwarks that gave more possibilities to defend the city.
Baluarte de San Lucas and Baluarte de Santa Catalina
In the very north are the bulwarks of San Lucas and Santa Catalina. They were build to repel attacks from land. Together these bulwarks are known as Las Tenazas (in English: The Pincers) because of their shape.
El Espigón de la Tenaza
El Espigón de la Tenaza is a piece of wall that runs from the bulwark of Santa Catalina to the sea. It was built when the coast silted up next to the walls. With this wall, the Spaniards could attack invaders who wanted to maneuver along the main wall.
Baluarte de Santo Domingo
About midway along the seafront wall, you can find the bulwark of Santo Domingo, which houses the Café del Mar nowadays.
Baluarte de San Ignacio and Baluarte de San Francisco Javier
The bulwarks of San Ignacio and San Francisco Javier form the southernmost point of the defensive walls. The bulwark of San Francisco Javier is home to Tasca Bar El Baluarte.
Visiting the City Walls
The defensive walls and their bulwarks are free to visit. On top of the walls, you will have splendid views of the city and the ocean. The best time to visit the walls is around sunset. The best stretch to see is the section that runs along the sea.