experiences
Cartagena de Indias
Cartagena de Indias is a vibrant city rich in culture and color. As intelligent as it is irreverent, Cartagena is the home of prominent figures in culture, fashion, gastronomy, music, and art; hence, there is always someone interesting to meet and something unforgettable to try. Capellan de Getsemani hotel is a meeting point where unique Cartagena experiences are created, sometimes on the spur of the moment, other times meticulously planned. Cultural events, intimate concerts, gastronomic experiences, and rumba nights all take place in Capellan de Getsemani.
What to do in Cartagena de Indias?
Under the sun and next to the Caribbean Sea, its sensual tropical setting combines history, modern art, and one of Latin America’s most authentic cuisines.
Cartagena, designated a Unesco World Heritage Site, is one of the continent’s best-preserved historical centers and inspired the famous Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez and holds many world-class cultural festivals.
Getsemaní
Capellan hotel is in the heart of the iconic and artistic Getsemani neighborhood, about a five-minute walk from downtown Cartagena.
With a bohemian and cultural atmosphere, this old neighborhood, where more than two hundred years ago, the independence of Cartagena was conceived, is full of history. Its colorful houses preserve the colonial architecture, and its streets have become expressions of street art with murals and graffiti created by national and international urban artists.
The Walled City
It is called a walled city or old city for the walls built by the Spaniards between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries to defend the city from pirate attacks. There are 7 miles of imposing stone walls with fortifications and bastions.
Capellan de Getsemani is in the heart of the city, in the colorful Getsemani neighborhood, steps from the Heredia Theater, the house of the Marquis of Valdehoyos, the bastion of Santo Domingo, the Plaza de La Proclamación, the cathedral Santa Catalina de Alejandria, the Bolivar Park, the Palace of the Inquisition (where the Historical Museum is located), the church of Santo Domingo, the patio of the Spanish Cooperation Center, the Plaza Fernandez de Madrid, the church of San Pedro Claver, the Naval Museum of the Caribbean, the Clock Tower Plaza, the Centennial Park, and the old building of the Governor’s Office and Cartagena’s vibrant historic center.
What to see in Getsemani?
Most of Cartagena’s landmarks and enticing nightlife are within walking distance from Capellan de Getsemani hotel.
The Clock Tower
It was the only entrance to the city and stood thirty meters tall, so it has enormous historical significance. After it was partially destroyed, it was restored with a baroque style façade. Its shape was changed to an octagonal one in 1888, changing the style from Gothic to Baroque.
Its Swiss-made watch, which replaced the original, imported from the United States, is now regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful watches.
Plaza de la Trinidad
The ideal spot for people-watching in the area. In remembrance of Pedro Romero, who commanded the Lanceros de Getsemani, artisans who took part in the Heroic City of Cartagena’s first independence rallies in 1811, there is a monument with three statues.
The Holy Trinity Church
Inspired by the Cartagena cathedral, it is considered the second most important temple of the city. Its collateral chapels form a cross on which rests a pilaster supporting the triumphal arch.
Third Order Church
It is located on the corner of Calle Larga and dates back to the 18th century. Its construction is simple, but in its interior the floor of crystallized marble, the ceiling has a beautiful mosaic design, the benches are of sequoia wood, it has two holy water basins of black basalt, and an image of Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows).
Callejón Angosto
Getsemani has a street decorated with colorful umbrellas that has become iconic. The Callejon Angosto joins Calles del Pozo and Espiritu Santo, where street art and bougainvilleas make it a beautiful photo hotspot..
San Felipe de Barajas Castle
Built-in 1657, this castle is one of America’s most fascinating examples of Spanish engineering. It is possible to walk the entire route, including the tunnels built, to hear the rumbles that occurred inside the castle and to facilitate communication with the outside
San Roque's Ermita
It is on Espiritu Santo Street, its façade and interior are simple, which is not surprising since it is believed that the reason for its foundation was a plague epidemic in the XVII century.
Plazuela del Pozo
Formerly in this square, the inhabitants of Getsemani carried out popular celebrations. Today this small square is an excellent place to rest and admire the original sculptures of Edgardo Carmona.
Centenario Park
Magnificent gardens, fountains, and pleasant shades. It is an insight into the neighborhood’s life and a place of recreation for locals and visitors.
Los Martires Sidewalk
The strip that connects the Historical Center with Getsemani was created as a memorial to various independence fighters killed here under Pablo Morillo’s Spanish administration. Today, it’s a bohemian haven where you may stroll or sit on marble seats
Julio Cesar Turbay Ayala Convention Center
It is a modern and adaptable event hall with up to 6,450 people with a beautiful view of historic Cartagena and Nimas bay. It serves as a venue for plays, musical performances, film screenings, and large conventions.
Pegasus Dock
Named after two sculptures of majestic, winged horses, and it is near the Convention Center. It makes for a delightful walk, especially after sunset, when you can admire the city lights.
