Getsemaní

Barrio Getsemaní

A historic artisan neighborhood outside the walls, with street murals covering its walls, flags and umbrellas hanging over the alleys, and buskers and food stalls filling Plaza de la Trinidad at night.

Getsemaní lies south of the Clock Tower, just past the city walls and the Centenary Park. In the colonial era, it was a working-class district home to artisans, free Black people, and enslaved people. The independence movement that declared Cartagena's independence in 1811 began here. The neighborhood declined in the late 20th century, but over the past decade or so it has been revitalized with backpacker hostels and small restaurants. Its more down-to-earth, lived-in atmosphere contrasts with the old town. During the day, wander the streets: nearly every wall is covered in vivid murals, many depicting Afro-Colombian and Indigenous culture and community stories. Calle de la Sierpe and Callejón Angosto are alleys with colorful flags, colorful umbrellas, or paper flowers overhead, popular photo spots. Community organizations offer free street-art tours (tips appreciated). In the evening, the most lively place is the center of the neighborhood, Plaza de la Trinidad, in front of which stands the 17th-century Holy Trinity Church. Local families, travelers, and street dancers gather here. Stalls sell grilled meat skewers, arepas, and ice-cold beer, and hip-hop and salsa improvisations are common. Nightlife is concentrated around Calle Media Luna and the famous salsa bar Café Havana, which has live Cuban bands. Lines are long on weekends. Accommodation options are plentiful, with better value than the old town. Note: late at night, on the edges of the neighborhood and around Centenary Park, keep your belongings secure, and ignore anyone selling drugs.

Getsemaní

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