The Refuge of Nobles & Rebellious Nuns We begin in this lively square, once home to Cartagena’s wealthy merchants. Nearby stands the Santa Clara Hotel, once a convent full of forbidden love stories and eerie legends. Some say a nun was buried alive within these walls, inspiring García Márquez’s novel Of Love and Other Demons.

Shadows of Independence This peaceful square hides scars of Colombia’s fight for freedom. José Fernández de Madrid, a poet and independence leader, dreamed of a liberated Cartagena. But betrayal lurked in the shadows, and not all heroes received the glory they deserved.

From its cobblestones, this plaza witnessed the cry of independence, the proclamation that resonated in the heart of Cartagena. A witness to passionate speeches and libertarian celebrations, Plaza de la Proclamación stands as a monument to bravery and revolutionary spirit. A place where the echo of the past blends with the present, recalling the struggle for autonomy and the forging of a nation.

Gold, Slaves & Colonial Secrets Governors once celebrated their victories here, while in the shadows, enslaved people were auctioned like goods. The wealth of Cartagena came at a great human cost—stories that still linger in these grand colonial buildings.

The Gate to Honor & Doom The Clock Tower Gate was the grand entrance to Cartagena—for merchants, travelers, and prisoners alike. Outside, in the Camellón de los Mártires, revolutionaries were executed in the fight for independence. Their names remain etched in Cartagena’s history.

Sunset Refreshment Stop As the sun sets over Cartagena, painting the sky in golden hues, we take a refreshing break at Socialtel Cartagena, a vibrant spot in the heart of Getsemaní’s Calle Larga. Here, you’ll enjoy a cold, revitalizing drink, soaking in the lively energy of the neighborhood. Once a refuge for artisans and revolutionaries, Getsemaní is now Cartagena’s cultural heartbeat, filled with street art, music, and stories waiting to be told. Note: The rooftop location may vary depending on Socialtel’s, GHL Arsenal Hotel availability, but we will always ensure a beautiful spot to enjoy the sunset. A perfect pause before we dive deeper into Getsemaní’s colorful streets!

Rebels & Revolution This is where Cartagena declared its independence before the rest of Colombia. Once the district of slaves and laborers, today, Getsemaní is the heart of the city’s culture, where music, art, and history blend in a vibrant, rebellious spirit.

The Soul of Getsemaní We close our journey in the beating heart of Cartagena’s artistic soul—the legendary alleys of Getsemaní. Here, the walls breathe history, telling tales of rebellion, resilience, and culture through mesmerizing murals. Every stroke of paint is a whisper from the past, every color a tribute to the spirit of the people who shaped this barrio. As you walk through these vibrant corridors, you’ll feel the energy of pirates, revolutionaries, musicians, and dreamers, their stories immortalized in the ever-evolving art that makes Getsemaní a living masterpiece. With the echoes of history behind us and the pulse of Cartagena still beating in our veins, we end this unforgettable experience—but the magic of Getsemaní will stay with you forever.