Getsemaní: the Graffiti District, art, literature and bohemian life in Cartagena

Getsemaní is the most emblematic neighborhood of modern-day Cartagena, especially because in recent years it has become a living example of Afro-Caribbean muralism, with its graffiti and other artistic expressions scattered throughout its labyrinthine streets. But not only that, it is also the legendary niche of Cartagena poetry and music. Learn about its combative history, its bohemian life, its relationship with literature, especially with García Márquez, while appreciating its striking and rebellious street art.
The tour is given in Spanish or English at either of the two proposed times.

First stop, Plaza de la Trinidad, the most vibrant meeting point of Cartagena's evenings and nights, which also tells us part of the history of Colombia's Independence. You will be able to observe the most colorful examples of life in the city and then we will go into its streets to appreciate various murals and graffiti in order to unravel their meaning.

Second stop , from the bastion of Santa Bárbara we will be able to see the prodigious castle of San Felipe de Barajas and the hill of La Popa, we will discover the reasons for the successive pirate attacks that Cartagena suffered in its colonial era, from Francis Drake to Edward Vernon.

Third stop , back to the modern. We will stop at the most representative alleys of the neighborhood, the Plaza del Pozo, the Callejón Ancho, the Callejón Estrecho, alleys full of colorful umbrellas and flags, where we can see several graffiti dedicated to García Márquez, his most representative books and we will talk about his relationship with the neighborhood. Although Getsemaní does not live only on García Márquez's letters, it was also the territory of illustrious poets such as Jorge Artel, Raúl Gómez Jattin, who wandered through its streets, as well as renowned intellectuals such as Manuel Zapata Olivella.

Fourth stop , visit San Juan Street, a cool alley covered by large trees, there you can find local painting exhibitions for all tastes, as well as beautiful murals of some of the most emblematic characters of Cartagena (Joe Arroyo, Mr Black, Blas de Lezo).

Fifth stop, Sierpe Street, where thanks to its murals we will learn about the history of Vencos Biohó and the palenques, the liberation and the Afro-descendant pride. The resistance of the people!

Sixth stop , Centenario Park, the place that commemorates the independence of Cartagena and Colombia, where you can see beautiful and unique animals from the region, such as iguanas, titi monkeys and sloths.

Seventh stop , the Convention Center and the Martyrs' Boulevard, which also tells us stories of both the Independence of Cartagena and the Spanish Reconquest, before the iconic presence of the Clock Tower, a sublime example of the union between colonial and republican architecture.