The Voyage of Spectacle

The Historic Center of Cartagena is Surrounded by 2.5 Miles of Fortress Walls Built Around 1614 to Protect the Prosperous Inner City from Pirates and Enemy Attack

In Colonial Times, Cartagena Was the Most Important Port in the Americas and the Cityâ€™s Most Wealthy Citizens Lived Inside the Fortress Walls

Construction of the Fortress Walls Began in 1614 Under the Guidance of Engineer Cristobal de Rada and Was Remodeled and Renovated Frequently Until the Late 18th Century

16 of the Original 20 Bastions (Like This One) Remain Intact

Heavy Artillery Protected the Ships Leaving the Wealthy Port City of Cartagena Filled with Gold and Riches Headed for Spain

Cartagenaâ€™s Fortress Walls Also Provide Beautiful Views of the Crystal Blue Caribbean Sea

The Santiago Bastion Is One of the Oldest Bastions and Was Strategically Important to Defend Cartagenaâ€™s Seafront

The Santiago Bastion With the Skyscrapers of Boca Grande in the Background

After Many Pirate Attacks (Including Plundering by Francis Drake and John Hawkins), the Spanish Empire Committed to Make Cartagena an â€œImpenetrable Cityâ€

The Wall and Bastions Are Fantastically Well Preserved (Along With Almost All of Cartagenaâ€™s Historical Sites) and Represent the Finest Examples of Military Architecture from Spanish Colonial Times

On the Waterfront Side, the Caribbean Sea Used to Touch the Wall But over Time, the Swell Has Diminished Leaving Room for Beaches and the Bustling Avenida Santander