Cartagena’s "Ciudad Amurallada" (Walled City) is a living museum of Caribbean history. The ultimate way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site is by staying in a restored Casona or Palazzo—grand colonial mansions that once belonged to Spanish nobility, now transformed into boutique hotels that hide lush courtyards and rooftop pools behind massive wooden doors.

Budget Travel (High-Value Luxury)

Elite Rankings: The Heritage Collection

These properties are the gold standard for colonial restoration, blending 17th-century architecture with contemporary Colombian design.

Property	Signature Feature	Vibe
Casa San Agustín Click to open side panel for more information	An ancient aqueduct runs through the center of the pool	Regal & Seamless
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Click to open side panel for more information	A former 17th-century convent with a legendary hidden crypt	Grand & Historic
Casa Pombo Click to open side panel for more information	One of the city's oldest mansions with massive high-ceiling suites	Authentic & Palatial
Ananda Boutique Hotel Click to open side panel for more information	Stunning rooftop views and a serene, Zen-like inner courtyard	Intimate & Chic
Bantu Hotel Click to open side panel for more information	Vibrant Caribbean colors and architecture reflecting African heritage	Lively & Cultured

The "Palazzo & Plazas" Itinerary

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• Morning – Architectural Coffee Crawl: Start at Casa San Agustín Click to open side panel for more information. Even if not staying, you can admire the library and frescoes. Head to Ábaco Libros y Café, a bookstore-café located in a stunning colonial corner building, for a cup of high-altitude Colombian coffee.

• Mid-Day – The San Pedro Claver Cloister: Visit the Santuario de San Pedro Claver. This 17th-century church and cloister feature a beautiful courtyard filled with tropical plants and sculptures. It is one of the best examples of colonial religious architecture in South America.

• Lunch – Al Fresco at Plaza de San Diego: Enjoy lunch at Juan del Mar or La Vitrola. These restaurants are housed in beautifully restored buildings. The Tip: Sit near the windows to watch the horse-drawn carriages pass by on the cobblestones.

• Afternoon – Fortress Walk & Sunset: Walk the length of the Las Murallas (the city walls). For a high-value experience, head to Café del Mar on the ramparts for sunset. While it's popular, the view of the Caribbean on one side and the colonial skyline on the other is unmatched.

• Evening – Rum & Chocolate Tasting: Many boutique palazzos, like Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Click to open side panel for more information, offer private tastings in their underground cellars or courtyard gardens. Learn about Colombia’s world-class cacao and aged rums in a setting that feels centuries old.

Know Before You Go (Logistics)

Category	Detail
Transport	The Old Town is pedestrian-only in many areas. Bring comfortable shoes for uneven cobblestones.
Climate	Cartagena is humid and hot. Plan your heaviest walking for early morning or after 4:00 PM.
Currency	Colombian Pesos (COP). While cards are widely accepted, have cash for local street snacks like Arepa de Huevo.
Dress Code	"Tropical Elegant." Linen is your best friend here.

Hidden Gem

For an escape from the midday sun, slip into the Palace of the Inquisition. Beyond its dark history, the building itself is one of the finest examples of civil colonial architecture in the city, featuring "long-throw" balconies and a magnificent stone entrance. The courtyard is one of the quietest, coolest spots in the entire Walled City.

The Heart of the Caribbean

Cartagena’s palazzos are more than just hotels; they are the gatekeepers of the city’s history. Staying within these thick coral-stone walls allows you to hear the echoes of the past while enjoying the vibrant, modern energy of Colombia today.

aximize your time in the Old Town by focusing on the architectural gems and hidden corners that define Cartagena’s soul.