convento la popa de la galera

SunseekersMN

From this old convent renovated in 1961 ( I can't believed they had it in ruins before that) you have the best view of Cartagena. it is not very far from the city and in two hours you can be back on town

JGeagea

The convent itself is not that amazing. The views of the city from here are though and it is definitely worth coming for the views alone. You can see the city in all directions- including the old city, shipping port and airport. Take a taxi to the top because it can be unsafe to walk there.

21kcn

From here you can see almost all of Cartagena. The old church has a beautiful hand-carved altar covered in pure gold. Be prepared to be surrounded by street vendors. If not interested, simply be polite and say no.

jkilby13

We were part of a tour. Our guide was very good, he had several stories about not only the content but the whole area. The chapel was wonderful. Old world in style, ornate to a degree and a place of importance historically. A sure place to visit.

FoodTraveler3

Cartagena is a gorgeous, beautiful city. Don't use Contactos as your guide. They will not show up and they will steal your money if you book them in advance. Really bad.

NeuMarina

This is the highest point in Cartagena and gives and amazing view of the city and the bay. In 1821 there was a law that mandated that all convents with less than 8 religious people needed to be closed. Only in 1960 the capuchins were allowed to return. Reconstruction and restauration took almost 5 years. Currently it still needs a lot of repair, but it is a very peaceful place, with music playing. If you cannot read Spanish go with a guide that can translate all the photo legends with the history of the reconstruction for you (really great). Convent is simple but I felt such a good energy there that I really loved the visit.

youhaveaface

Worth the trip up for the view alone. Important historical significance too. It's a good place to spend a half and hour--good place to get oriented to the old/new city.

ColombiaTom

The Popa is a beautiful old monastery and worthwhile visiting. The greatest thing about this place is the incredible view, however. One can see a 270 degree view of Cartagena, from the noisy cheaper neighborhoods to the left to the upscale ones on the right and the historical center straight ahead.

502JamesW

Visited on a hot midday with a cruise ship in town but still was very enjoyable. Spectacular views of the city. Be sure to arrange for a cab to wait for you. Not sure if any cabs make the trip up the hill on speculation of finding a fare. 50 or 60 thousand pesos seems to be the going rate from the old city. One hour at the site was sufficient for us.

Mafaldita18

We had a great tour guide we hired on the site: Julio. he was very knowledgeable. The place has a wonderful 360 degrees view of the whole city. The big red/gold altar, the paintings, the colonial architecture, the history... we believed it was much worth that the fortress we also visited.

E9933BVtonym

This is in a PRIME location in a hill, you should go by taxi, just MAKE SURE you set your price with the driver. Usually they wait for you for at least 30 minutes to drive you back into towm. Do NOT walk up there alone. You will have a great view of the whole Cartagena and the bay, as well will visit a lovely Spanish Style convent house and the Chapel. A most to do in Cartagena

Torte_Sue

We were on a private tour, and our guide started the tour by taking us to Convento La Popa. It was a festival day, and there was no parking, so our driver had to wait at the bottom and return for us. There were many stands set up because of the festival and there were many people walking up the highest hill in Cartagena stopping at the Stations of the Cross along the way. There were some donkeys as well. I have mobility issues and would not have made the long walk!There are beautiful views of the entire city from the top.We were able to go in the small chapel to see the beautiful gold altar, a gift from a hotel. However, we were not able to see the convent interior, except for a brief view into the cloister.The legend is that an Augustinian monk had a dream to found a monastery at the tallest point in Cartagena. He found people worshipping a goat which he threw over the cliff. He then built an image of the Virgin de la Candelaria. The convent, originally constructed in the 1700's, was reconstructed in the 1960s after falling into disrepair.

jzjsolo7

It was interesting hearing about the history of this convent built in 1607 from our guide. Best of all is the beautiful view of the city including the modern buildings and the old walled city. It is 150 meters above sea level so you see a long way.

Ama90

We walked from our hostel in getsemani all the way trough the city. In the hostel they said we have to take a taxi, but if you like walking (1h) it's also possible. Alternativ you can take a bus, and then walk the Street 20-30 minutes up. No need to take a taxi! It's save, in the way up you will find at least 5 times police(at least in the evening). In the way you can buy also Snacks or Drinks. Up the Hill you will have a great few of the whole city! We went there at6pm, so you will see the sundown behind the city centre!

Andrezanella

It's at 150 m above the see level, so you have a great view from the city, the convent was built in 1607 and today it's the homeplace of the Virgem de La Popa, wich is known as the protector of the city and of the people of Cartagena. It's a must go in Cartagena.