Museum sights in Cartagena
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A
Palacio de la Inquisición
The Palacio de la Inquisición is one of the finest buildings in the town. Although the site was the seat of the Punishment Tribunal of the Holy Office from 1610, the palace wasn't completed until 1776. It is a good example of late colonial architecture, noted particularly for its magnificent baroque stone gateway topped by the Spanish coat of arms, and the long balconies on the facade.
On the side wall, just around the corner from the entrance, you'll find a small window with a cross on top. Heretics were denounced here, and the Holy Office would then instigate proceedings. The principal 'crimes' were magic, witchcraft and blasphemy. When culprits were found guilty they …
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B
Convento de San Pedro Claver
This convent was founded by Jesuits in the first half of the 17th century, originally as San Ignacio de Loyola. The name was later changed in honor of Spanish-born monk Pedro Claver (1580-1654), who lived and died in the convent. Called the 'Apostle of the Blacks' or the 'Slave of the Slaves,' he spent all his life ministering to the slaves brought from Africa. He was the first person to be canonized in the New World (in 1888).
The convent is a monumental three-story building surrounding a tree-filled courtyard, and part of it is open as a museum. Exhibits include religious art and pre-Columbian ceramics. You can visit the cell where San Pedro Claver lived and died, and a…
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C
Casa de Rafael Núñez
This mansion, just outside the walls of Las Bóvedas, was the home of the former president, lawyer and poet. He wrote the words of Colombia's national anthem and was one of the authors of the constitution of 1886, which was in force (with some later changes) until 1991. The wooden mansion is now a museum featuring some of Núñez' documents and personal possessions. The chapel opposite the house, known as the Ermita del Cabrero, holds his ashes.
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D
Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art is the perfect sized museum (not too huge to overwhelm), housed in a part of the 17th century former Royal Customs House. It presents temporary exhibitions from its own collection, including works by Alejandro Obregón, one of Colombia’s most remarkable painters, who was born in Cartagena. There’s also sculpture and abstract art – all well worth a look. The second floor houses temporary exhibitions.
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E
Museo del Oro y Arqueología
The Sinú Indians, who inhabited the Bolívar region before the Spanish Conquest, were legendary for their wealth and stockpiles of everyone's favorite precious yellow metal. The Gold Museum displays a glittering collection of their treasures and pre-colonial pottery. It's opposite the Palace of the Inquisition on one of Cartagena's most beautiful plazas.
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F
Museo Naval del Caribe
Opened in 1992 on the 500th anniversary of Columbus' discovery, the Museo Naval del Caribe occupies a great colonial building which was once a Jesuit college. It features a collection of objects related to the maritime history of Cartagena and the Caribbean.
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