Best Of Cartagena & Fortress - Once a preferred target for pirates until construction of an impressive fortress, Cartagena earned the reputation as the treasure chest and the most impenetrable city of the Spanish Main. We passed through Manga residential area where some of the mansions have been restored to their original splendor. We continued up the winding road to the Convento de la Popa, with its breathtaking view of the harbor and city to the monastery with its ornate, 22-karat gold foil altar and a lovely, flower-filled courtyard. Then on to Fort of San Felipe de Barajas, a 17th-century construction which is the most important work of Spanish military engineering in South America. Next, we visited Las Bovedas (The Dungeons) for handicraft shopping. Then we Passed through Sim’n Bolivar Square and the Inquisition Palace before continuing on to the Church of San Pedro Claver ‘ the patron saint of slaves ‘ for a short visit. Then to the modern residential area of Bocagrande, renowned for its wide variety of shops. Here, we browsed the shops for Colombia’s famous native gem ‘ the emerald ‘ along with handicrafts, leather goods, and coffee at the Pierino Gallo Shopping Mall. We purchased coffee and a necklace. Good tour that we recommend.
