Cartagena

Before Cartagena I’d barely seen another tourist in Colombia except for in the hostel in Cali. Maybe they were all in Cartagena.. Colombia's most expensive city and a top destination for Caribbean cruise ships.

Very much reminiscent of Havana for obvious reasons, the old town is another beautiful example of a Spanish colonial port to the backdrop of modern skyscrapers. It was attacked by the British and French at various points, and so the King of Spain ordered the construction of fortified walls which were finished just before the city claimed its independence. Today they’re perfect for a stroll.

In the old town

Palacio de la Inquisition

So perhaps I’m translating this wrong, but it seems to basically say ‘the Inquisition have a bad reputation’ (as we know) but that it was undeserved (which we certainly didn't) and ‘they were generally good, devote guys’ - apparently what they did was justified in the good name of the Catholic Church...

Hmmmm...

...errrrrr...

...no.

Cartagena also features the largest fort in Latin America complete with fantastic views and ‘Lord of the Rings’ style tunnels which you can explore beneath the fortifications – a dream come true for castle lovers like me.

‘Convento de la Popa’ enjoys an envious position on the summit of the region's only hill, complete with stunning 360 degree views.