The Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. It's an imposing fortress located in the city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia Its construction began in 1536 and was completed in 1657, although several expansions and improvements were made over the years.
The castle was erected on the hill of San Lazaro with the main purpose of defending the city of Cartagena from constant attacks by pirates and enemies of the Spanish Crown. Its strategic location allowed it to dominate the city walls and protect the only land entrance, the Puerta de la Media Luna in Getsemani.
The construction of the castle was a response to the need to fortify the city and ensure its security.
The famous one-eye, one-arm, one-legged statue in front of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is that of Blas de Lezo, the Spanish military officer and admiral who defended the city of Cartagena from a British naval attack in 1741.
Cartagena is the jewel of the Caribbean . . . . the very best city to visit in Colombia. This is the epitome of Colombian beauty and history. It's one of the most colorful, picturesque and historical cities in all of South America . . . . especially the "Old Town."
Wander the Walled City, the epicenter of tourism in Cartagena. A rainbow maze of streets all contained within the preserved, yet crumbling walls of the old city. Now filled with fusion restaurants, local boutiques, and premier accommodation. You can spend your day sipping Limonada de Coco and snapping photos with the fruit-bearing palenqueras.
Get Lost in Mercado de Bazurto . . . . As authentically Colombian as it gets. This local wet market sells everything from fried meaty snacks, cow eyeballs, every fruit you never knew existed, and whirling fans.
Give Yourself a Beach Day . . . . Just a short ride from the shores of Cartagena, you'll find the pristine beaches of Isla Baru, Isla Tierra Bomba, and the many Rosario islands.
Highlight Day Trip from Cartagena – Parque Tayrona . . . . Just a few hours to the east of Cartagena lies Tayrona National Park. Crystal clear blue waters, sandy beaches protected by palms, and some stellar jungle hiking trails.
Colombia is a Country of Celebration. They have 18 Public Holidays Each Year. With only 2-3 weeks of vacation per year for the average Colombian worker, they were in need of some public holidays! And with 18 government sanctioned holidays (most falling on Monday) the only country with more public holidays is India.
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SIMON BOLIVAR
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SIMON BOLIVAR
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SIMON BOLIVAR, (AKA Simon Jose Antonio de la Santisima Trinidad Bolivar y Palaios) - the hero of of South American independence and known as "El Libertador" - was born on July 24, 1783 in Caracas - and died on December 17, 1830 at age 47 from tuberculosis.
SIMON BOLIVAR was the first President of Colombia, (February 16, 1819 - April 27, 1830), the first President of Bolivia, (August 6, 1825 - December 29, 1825) - the fourth President of Peru, (February 10, 1824 - January 27, 1827).
He was the president of THREE countries!
SIMON BOLIVAR is the only man in history for whom TWO countries are named:
Bolivia
~ and ~
Venezuela
(Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela)
SIMON BOLIVAR has TWO currencies named after him:
The Bolivian Boliviano/Bolivares, (now the Bolivar Fuerte)
~ and ~
The Venezuelan Bolivar
SIMON BOLIVAR'S leadership and military skill led to independence of six modern-day South American countries:
Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia.