MURALLAS DE CARTAGENA
These walls are the best preserved colonial fortifications of the continent
A walk on the walls of the old city is one of the must-do things to do during a stay in Cartagena de Indias. And it is often there that one disembarks the first day in late afternoon to benefit from the marine breeze and sumptuous sunsets. Count on at least two hours to enjoy its views of the beautiful houses of the historic center on one side and the sea on the other. These are the best preserved colonial fortifications of the continent. They were built by the best military builders of the time. Construction began after Francis Drake's attack in 1586, under the direction of the Italian engineer Bautista Antonelli. The project lasted almost two centuries, due to the devastating sea and especially the constant attacks of pirates and privateers. The greatest architects of the 17th and 18th centuries participated in the construction, which was finally completed in 1796 by the military engineer Antonio de Arevalo. The bastions are small fortifications located at strategic points along the walls. There, the artillery and all kinds of defense and observation installations were concentrated. There were a total of 23 fortifications, 16 of which still exist today. The fortifications of Santa Catalina and San Lucas on the northern defense line are the most interesting. The walls consist of a series of 47 medieval arcades and 23 vaults or dungeons capable of withstanding cannonballs.
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