March 11, 2025: Cartagena, Columbia
We joined an early morning excursion, taking us through the city of Cartagena by bus. It is one of South America’s oldest colonial cities, founded in 1533. Edgar, our guide, gave us a bit of historical information before dropping us off at the massive Fort of San Felipe de Barajas, built by the Spanish in the 17th century.
The UNESCO designated fort was built in 1657 on top of the hill of San Lazaro. It is not a typical square/rectangular shape as it was built to the contour of the hill. Its strategic location provided exceptional defensive protection to the city. A statue of Blas de Lezo, the hero of the 1741 conflict, greeted us before we climbed to the top of the fort. His statue is notable for the missing right hand, left leg and eye reminding us of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” cult classic (“it’s just a flesh wound”).
The incline to the top of San Felipe de Barajas was quite steep but offered a panoramic view of Cartagena once we arrived in the main square. We noticed that old city is surrounded by thick defensive walls and were told these were built to fend off pirate attacks as well as attacks from France and England.
Cartagena was a crucial port for the exportation of Bolivian silver and later, the importation of slaves. It is the oldest colonial city in the Americas. Intent on discovering more history, Edgar took us back to the bus and onward to Las Bovedas, the historic center of Cartagena. We walked through Simon Bolivar Square where Edgar pointed out the Palace of the Inquisition. The Inquisition occurred here from 1580 to 1640 with an estimated 800 people were executed for being non-believers, Jews, magic and blasphemy. Today, it is a museum with historical exhibits including torture equipment used during the Inquisition.
We were led to the Church of San Pedro Claver, the patron saint of slaves. St. Claver’s relics (or at least some of them) are on view below the altar making this a pilgrimage site for the faithful. Bronze sculptures of San Pedro Claver and an African slave are located within the San Pedro Claver plaza and symbolize his compassion for these people.
Despite the remarkable history, the high humidity and temperature made this excursion nearly unbearable. Mary Margaret had contracted a chest cold at some point during embarkation and did not partake in ice cream during our “free time”. That is when we knew she must have been ill! Purchasing a pair of emerald earrings, the national stone, momentarily lifted her spirits.
The high point after our return to the port was walking through a small zoo to catch a shuttle bus to the ship. The jungle-like environment with shade and colorful birds boosted our reserves, just in time to prepare for happy hour!
