The jewel of Colombia's Caribbean coast

Cartagena is a stunning city and one of the country's most popular destinations

Cartagena
Cartagena: one of the most beautiful cities in the Americas
(Image credit: Piero Damiani / Getty Images)

Set on a headland beside the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is Colombia's most "magical" colonial city, said Stephanie Rafanelli in The Times, and one of the most beautiful in the Americas. 

Founded in 1533, it was the main port of the Spanish empire, a fabulously wealthy entrepôt for gold and slaves. Its old town is wonderfully well preserved – a warren of cobbled streets, domed churches and mansions "the colour of watermelon and papaya", surrounded by seven miles of fortified coral stone walls. But though its architecture is Spanish, almost half of its population is of African descent, and its culture reflects both of these roots. 

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