Plaza de la Aduana
It's the widest plaza in the walled city, a block from the Torre del Reloj. City Hall (the Alcaldía) is here, and the statue of Christopher Columbus stands in the middle.
- Hours
- Open plaza, no set hours.
- Price
- Free.
- Price
- Free
- Duration
- 0 to 2 hours
- Address
- Plaza de la Aduana, Centro histórico, Cartagena
In colonial times the port's trade was handled here, hence the name (aduana means customs house). Today it's surrounded by Cartagena's City Hall and two-story mansions with arches below and wooden balconies above.
It's an open, brick-paved plaza without much shade. Almost every walking tour passes through because it connects the Torre del Reloj with the church of San Pedro Claver and the Museo de Arte Moderno.
At midday the sun is harsh; it's nicer early or at sunset, when the light drops across the facades.
What to see
- The statue of Columbus.
- City Hall and the arcaded houses.
- The church of San Pedro Claver, half a block away.
Getting there
- On foot from the Torre del Reloj: one block.
- Taxi to the Torre del Reloj and walk.
Tips
- Bring a cap: there's almost no shade.
- Continue on to the Plaza de San Pedro Claver and the Museo de Arte Moderno, right next door.
FAQ
Where is the Plaza de la Aduana?
A block from the Torre del Reloj, in the walled city.
What's on the plaza?
City Hall, colonial houses with arches and the statue of Christopher Columbus.
How long does it take?
About 15 minutes, though most people just pass through.
On the map
Photos: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Zane Bolen, Unsplash License · Wikimedia Commons
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