In the heart of Cartagena's charming streets lies a treasure trove of history, spirituality, and architectural marvels. Join me on a captivating journey as we uncover the intriguing stories behind some of Cartagena's most captivating churches and convents.

Santo Domingo: Where Legends and Beauty Converge

Our adventure begins in the bustling Santo Domingo Square, where the majestic Church of Santo Domingo proudly stands. This iconic church, dating back to 1559, whispers tales of resilience and devotion amidst the trials of history. Imagine Dominican friars arriving with Don Pedro de Heredia, setting the foundation for the city's religious legacy.

Legend has it that the church's leaning tower, a slight tilt noticeable to the discerning eye, was a mischievous deed of the devil himself. Yet, within Santo Domingo's hallowed halls, more than architectural wonders await. Marvel at the Spanish Baroque altarpiece and the serene Rosary Chapel, adorned with golden opulence and historic tombs.

Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo: A Sanctuary of Faith

Nestled in the San Diego neighborhood, the Church of Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo beckons with understated elegance. This unassuming church, built in 1665, holds deep significance as the resting place of Pedro Romero, an insurgent leader in Cartagena's fight for independence.

The church honors Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo, a paragon of missionary zeal in Peru, who championed indigenous rights and education. Within Santo Toribio's walls, discover a world where black lacquer altars and cannonball-embedded walls echo centuries of faith and resilience.

Santa Clara: A Cloister of Secrets and Sacrifice

Stuart Street unveils the enigmatic Santa Clara Convent, a place of solitude and sacrifice since 1617. Once a bastion of seclusion for Clarisas nuns, this convent whispers tales of hidden turnstiles and clandestine adoptions. Today, the restored cloister serves as a cultural haven, weaving past and present.

Imagine the bustling Calle del Torno, where exposed children found refuge through secretive exchanges—a testament to the nuns' compassion amid adversity. Venture inside to behold the tomb of Don Juan Bautista MacEvan, a hero of Cartagena's defense, and the legacy of silent devotion that resonates within these ancient walls.

San Agustín: Echoes of Augustine's Wisdom

The grand façade of the San Agustín Convent exudes the spirit of Augustine, with its reddish stucco reminiscent of Cartagena's Cathedral. Founded in 1580, this convent has witnessed transformations from cloister to barracks to the hallowed halls of academia.

Travel through time within San Agustín's courtyard, where the spirit of Saint Augustine, "The Doctor of Grace," lingers. Imagine the saint's contemplation by the seashore, and embrace the timeless wisdom that resonates within this architectural marvel.

Santa Teresa: A Haven of Carmelite Serenity

In the heart of Getsemaní, the Charleston Santa Teresa hotel invites you into the world of Carmelite nuns. Founded in 1607, the Santa Teresa Convent embodies centuries of piety and resilience. The cloister, once a sanctuary for colonial art, witnessed the city's tumultuous history.

Step inside the chapel, adorned with colonial paintings and the patronage of Saint Teresa of Ávila. The convent's restoration offers a glimpse into the cloistered life of Carmelite nuns and their enduring devotion to God.

Unearthing Cartagena's Spiritual Legacy

As we conclude our expedition through Cartagena's hidden treasures, one cannot help but marvel at the resilience and ingenuity of those who shaped its storied past. From legends of pirate treasures to the quiet devotion of nuns, Cartagena's churches and convents tell tales of faith, fortitude, and the enduring spirit of a city steeped in history.

Join me on future adventures as we continue to explore the captivating tapestry of Cartagena's cultural heritage, one story at a time. Until then, may the echoes of Santo Domingo's bells and the serenity of Santa Teresa's cloister linger in your heart, inspiring new journeys of discovery and wonder.

Sponsored by Chamber of Commerce of Cartagena and the Convention and Visitors Bureau with the collaboration of the Fundación Centro Historico de Cartagena ,  the Arquidiócesis de Cartagena  , the Corporación de Turismo and the Mayor of Cartagena de Indias, you can access this soundwalk scanning this QR code and introducing semanasanta2024 code. Soon to be available in english.