Las Murallas

Las Murallas Review

Cartagena survived only because of its walls, and its murallas remain today the city's most distinctive feature. Repeated sacking by pirates and foreign invaders conviced the Spaniards of the need to enlcose the region's most important port. Construction began in 1600 and finished in 1796. The Puerta del Reloj is the principal gate to the innermost sector of the walled city. Its four-sided clock tower was a relatively late addition (1888), and has become the symbol of the city. Walking along the thick walls is still today one of Cartagena's time honored pastimes, especially late in the afternoon when you can watch the setting sun redden the Caribbean.