Colombia: Cartagena – Exploring the Old City Streets

Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia and quickly became the Spanish Empire’s primary gateway for South American gold. Protected by walls, the city is a collection of historic mansions, one more impressive than the other. Roaming the grid of streets is like exploring an open-air historic museum. The grand mansions (casas senoriales) of the historic center were built by wealthy merchants and officials and designed specifically to manage the intense Caribbean heat. All houses had huge overhanging balconies which are not just decorations – they are meant for catching sea breezes and providing shade for the street level below. The richer the house – the more carved out and elaborate are the balconies. Most mansions are built around a central patio filled with lush greenery and fountains. The exterior of the houses is also draped in blooming flowers and vines.