Must-see · Cartagena

Plaza de Santo Domingo

It's one of the main plazas in the walled city. The church of Santo Domingo and Fernando Botero's sculpture Gertrudis are here, along with restaurants with tables outside.

Hours: Plaza open all day. The church opens for masses and visits.
Price: The plaza is free.
Price: Free
Duration: 0 to 2 hours
Address: Plaza de Santo Domingo, Centro histórico, Cartagena

See on the map Google Maps

The plaza takes its name from the church of Santo Domingo, with ochre walls and a stone facade, which several guides point to as the oldest in the city. The convent next door has been restored and can be visited.

In the middle is the Gertrudis, a reclining bronze woman that Fernando Botero gave to the city. People touch her body for the photo, and some parts are now shiny from all the rubbing.

Around it are restaurants with tables on the plaza. Several blogs say they're expensive for what they serve; if you want to eat, look at the menu before sitting down. At night it fills with musicians and vendors.

What to see

Botero's Gertrudis.
The facade of the church of Santo Domingo.
The houses with wooden balconies around it.

Getting there

On foot from the Torre del Reloj: about four blocks along Calle de Santo Domingo.
Taxi to Calle de Santo Domingo; cars can't enter the plaza.

Tips

Ask for the menu with prices before sitting down at the terraces.
Musicians who play at your table charge for it; if you don't want them to, say so from the start.
One of the weekend and afternoon free tours leaves from here.