Cartagena Cathedral (St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral)

Overview

The Cartagena Cathedral, dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, is a historic Roman Catholic cathedral located in the heart of Cartagena's Walled City. It is a stunning example of colonial architecture and a significant religious and cultural landmark.

The cathedral is a symbol of Cartagena's rich history and religious heritage. It serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Cartagena and is a focal point for religious ceremonies and cultural events.

Religious Site Historical Landmark Architectural Marvel

Location

Address

Calle de los Santos de Piedra Carrera 4, Cartagena, Bolivar

Neighborhood: Centro Histórico

Coordinates

10.393863, -75.508546

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

Free (donations appreciated)

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

December to April

Best Time of Day

Morning

Fewer tourists, cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

30 minutes

Recommended

1-2 hours

Full Experience

Half day (including nearby attractions)

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Warm

• Beautiful flowers
• Outdoor ceremonies

summer

Hot and humid

• Cooler temperatures
• Fewer tourists

autumn

Warm

• Pleasant weather
• Cultural events

winter

Pleasant

• Festive decorations
• Cool temperatures

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Dress modestly
Respect religious ceremonies
Check opening hours

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Sun protection Water

seasonal

Rain jacket (June-October) Light jacket (December-April)

not allowed

Shorts, tank tops, hats inside the cathedral Large bags

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low

• Dehydration (hot and humid weather)
• Sun exposure

Medical facilities: Nearby hospitals and clinics

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash (COP), Credit cards

Currency

COP (Colombian Peso)

Typical Costs

entry Free

guided tour $10-$15 USD

souvenirs $5-$20 USD

Dress Code

Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered), Comfortable shoes for exploring, Closed-toe shoes, Shorts, Tank tops, Hats

Booking Tips

• Not required, but recommended for guided tours
• Local tour operators or online booking platforms
• Varies by tour operator
• Available for guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Cartagena Tourist App

Size: 50 MB

Features: Map of the area, Information about local attractions, Event calendar, Language translation

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Nearby cafes and restaurants

Charging Stations: Nearby cafes and restaurants

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG)

Distance: 3 km

Travel Time: 10 minutes

Taxi

$5-$10 USD 10 min

Public transport

$1 USD 20 min

From City Center

Distance: Varies (within walking distance for most accommodations)

Walking

Free 5-15 min

Taxi

$2-$5 USD 5 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: The cathedral is a symbol of Cartagena's rich history and religious heritage. It is a place of worship, cultural events, and community gatherings.

Historical Significance: The cathedral has witnessed significant historical events, including the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, the colonial period, and the independence of Colombia.

Insider Tips

The cathedral's bell tower offers a panoramic view of the city (access may be limited)
The cathedral's museum houses a collection of religious artifacts and historical documents
The cathedral's courtyard is a popular spot for locals to gather and socialize.

Local Recommendations

• Try local arepas from a nearby vendor
• Visit the nearby Plaza de los Coches for a refreshing juice
• Ask about local legends and stories related to the cathedral

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hola

thank_you Gracias

where_is ¿Dónde está?

how_much ¿Cuánto cuesta?

beautiful Hermoso

ticket Boleto

Guide Languages: Spanish, English, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Cathedral facade

Best Time: Morning or late afternoon

Tips: Capture the entire facade from a low angle

Result: Stunning architectural shot

#Cartagena #Colombia #Cathedral #Travel

Interior courtyard

Best Time: Morning

Tips: Experiment with different angles and perspectives

Result: Beautiful courtyard shot

#Cartagena #Colombia #Cathedral #Travel

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Interior courtyard

prohibited areas Inside the cathedral during religious ceremonies

flash photography Allowed in outdoor areas, not allowed inside the cathedral

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Prohibited without permission

tripod policy Allowed in outdoor areas with permission

selfie sticks Allowed in outdoor areas

Nearby Attractions

Plaza de los Coches

Distance: 50m

Walking: 1 min

Type: Square

Palacio de la Inquisición

Distance: 100m

Walking: 2 min

Type: Museum

Santa Catalina Church

Distance: 150m

Walking: 3 min

Type: Church

Cartagena's Walled City

Distance: N/A

Walking: N/A

Type: Historical Site

Reviews

4.5

Based on 1,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer tourists"
"Dress modestly to respect the religious nature of the site"
"Explore the cathedral's courtyard and surrounding streets for beautiful photo opportunities"

Contact Information

+57 5 664 42 50

N/A

Social Media

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