Bolivar Square (Plaza Bolivar)
Plaza Bolivar, Centro, Cartagena, Bolivar
As well as offering respite from Cartagena’s Caribbean heat with its leafy trees, Bolivar Square (Plaza Bolivar) is home to both the Palace of the Inquisition museum and the Gold Museum (Museo de Oro Zenu). In between museums, sample Colombian coffee and snacks from street vendors and admire the eponymous statue of Simon Bolivar at the square’s center.
Due to its prime location in Cartagena’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, Bolivar Square features on many sightseeing tours. Get a more intimate glimpse into the area on a walking tour or cover more sights in less time on a private tour by air-conditioned vehicle, which proves ideal for time-pressed travelers. Tours that cover Bolivar Square typically also visit Santo Domingo Church, San Pedro Cathedral, and the San Felipe de Barajas Castle.
- Bolivar Square is a must-visit for culture and history buffs.
- The square is home to a fountain, plenty of benches, and lamp posts that illuminate the park after sunset.
- A well-paved route around the park makes it accessible to travelers in wheelchairs and with strollers.
Bolivar Square (Plaza Bolivar) is located in the heart of Cartagena’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. The majority of Old Town attractions, including the Clock Tower and Plaza Santo Domingo, are within 10 minutes’ walk of the square.
Plaza Bolivar is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, though it's not recommended to visit the park late at night. Both the Palace of Inquisition (Museo Histórico de Cartagena de Indias) and the Gold Museum are open from morning until early evening Monday-Saturday; both operate with reduced opening hours on Sundays.
Bolivar Square is close to some of Cartagena Old Town’s top attractions. Once you’ve soaked up the relaxed atmosphere of the square, spend an hour browsing the stalls of Las Boveda market, which sell artisan products such as hammocks and woven bags, before going off the beaten path to Getsemani, a district that’s renowned for its street art.
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