San Basilio de Palenque
The first free Black town in the Americas, where African languages and drum music are preserved. It is recognized as a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
San Basilio de Palenque lies about 50 kilometers southeast of Cartagena. It was founded by Benkos Biohó, a runaway enslaved man, in the 17th century, and is considered the first community of free Black people in the Americas. Its residents still speak Palenquero, a language that blends Bantu and Spanish elements, and maintain funeral rituals and drumming traditions. The town was inscribed on UNESCO's list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005. It is best to join a cultural tour departing from Cartagena, where local guides explain the culture and visitors can take part in music, dance, hair braiding, and traditional herbal medicine.
Opening hours
Daytime (joining a tour recommended)
Nearby sights
- National Aviary of Colombia
- Playa Blanca (Barú)
- Fort of San Fernando de Bocachica
- Bazurto Market
- Convento de la Popa
- Monument to the Old Shoes
- Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
- Bocagrande